Truth Or Dare; The Truth Of Holding The Indian Passport And Why Are More And More Indians Seeking To Settle Abroad?

Indian Passport, Restricted Aspirations, Safety & Unfair Taxation

The emigration fervour among Indians unveils a story of ambition and opportunity. The allure of foreign shores, better quality of life, enhanced education, safety and lucrative salaries entice many to seek new beginnings abroad. 

A cornerstone of this aspiration is the weakened passport. What is also playing on the mind of many is unfair taxation regimes and anticipated higher taxes within India can be disheartening, nudging many to explore avenues in more accommodating countries. While the allure of opportunities abroad plays a role, the unfair taxation landscape at home accentuates the perceived need to explore other pastures.

The Fiscal Conundrum, Economic Growth vs. Deficit Reduction

India’s rapid economic growth is underpinned by a fiscal deficit that necessitates careful balancing. To alleviate this imbalance, either revenues must be augmented or expenditures curtailed. 

With a young and burgeoning population, reduced government spending is improbable, further necessitating alternative solutions. Enter higher taxation, which, while addressing fiscal concerns, casts a shadow over domestic incentives for skilled individuals. 

This paradox tugs at the allure of staying put versus seeking greener pastures where the tax burden is more favourable; at the same time, the quality of life is also maintained.

Barriers to Entry, The Global Visa Maze

The stories of Indian travellers facing hurdles at international borders paint a vivid picture of a weak passport’s challenges. 

The Americas, South America, Europe, the UK, and even Oceania often necessitate onerous visa applications, exhaustive document submissions, and intrusive personal inquiries. 

This labyrinthine process breeds frustration and can impact the psyche of Indian travellers, fostering perceptions of discrimination and racism. Visa-free privileges, enjoyed by many other nationalities, elude Indians, making international travel an arduous journey.

Perceived Indifference, Government’s Diplomatic Pass

The contrast between the struggles of Indian travellers and the ease of those wielding diplomatic passports is stark. This disparity amplifies the feeling of the government’s insouciance toward ordinary passport holders. The possibility of expedited travel for the decision-making elite further underscores the disconnect between the common Indian and those in positions of power.

Dual Citizenship, A Dream Deferred

The inability of Indian citizens to hold multiple passports amplifies the conundrum. Other nations permitting dual citizenship often offer robust passport privileges. 

Japan, Singapore, and Germany – their citizens enjoy visa-free access to an array of countries. This discrepancy between passport strength and citizenship compounds the sense of restricted opportunities for Indians.

The Brain Drain 

In 2020, according to a United Nations report, India boasted the largest diaspora population globally, with 18 million individuals hailing from the nation residing outside their homeland. 

A report by Indiaspora notes that currently, more than 200 individuals of Indian origin hold prominent leadership roles across at least 15 countries. This distinguished list includes notable figures such as US Vice President Kamala Harris, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Guyana President Irfaan Ali, and World Bank President Ajay Banga.

Government data reveals a remarkable trend wherein over 1.6 million Indians relinquished their Indian citizenship since 2011, with a staggering 225,620 doing so in 2022 alone. 

This averages around 618 individuals per day. The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report of the present year predicts that around 6,500 millionaires are preparing to depart India in 2023. 

Similarly, data from the Global Wealth Migration Review discloses that as of 2020, 2 per cent of the nation’s millionaires had already migrated abroad.

This mass movement beckons for insight, and the Indian government cites personal reasons as the driving force behind individuals renouncing their Indian citizenship. 

• As India doesn’t permit dual citizenship, acquiring citizenship in another country results in the forfeiture of Indian citizenship. 

Amit Dasgupta, former Consul-General of India in Sydney, elaborates that the primary reason for migration is often the pursuit of economic well-being. This is a manifestation of ‘the push factor’ in sociology – individuals are compelled to seek better prospects in foreign lands.

• Higher education is another pathway that leads many Indian students to foreign shores, with a substantial number opting to settle in these countries due to improved job opportunities and attractive remuneration packages. 

According to recent data from the Education Ministry, a significant figure of over 770,000 Indian students pursued studies abroad in 2022, marking a six-year peak. Many of these students find it challenging to secure suitable employment upon returning to India, prompting them to apply for permanent residency in their study destination.

Estimates suggest that over 90 per cent of these students choose not to return to India. Among the affluent in India, there exists a desire to diversify their wealth and lifestyles by establishing alternative residencies and conducting business in foreign territories. 

• Despite India’s appeal for business activities and corporate growth, some seek a superior quality of life in foreign lands. The Global Wealth Migration Review of 2020 outlines various motivations for migration, including concerns about women and children’s safety, lifestyle aspects like climate and pollution, financial considerations such as taxes, improved healthcare for families, educational prospects for children, and a bid to escape oppressive governance.

• Additionally, a country’s passport strength plays a pivotal role in migration decisions. A higher ranking on the passport index ensures enhanced visa-free travel privileges to numerous nations. Unfortunately, the Indian passport’s 2023 ranking plummeted, now resting at the 144th position, accompanied by a mobility score of 70.

 This translates to Indians having visa-free access to 21 countries while requiring visas for 128 others. In contrast, residency cards from countries like Greece or Portugal provide Indians with visa-free access to all Schengen countries

Deciphering the Challenges Behind India’s Passport Ranking

In an increasingly interconnected world, the strength of a country’s passport is a reflection of its citizens’ global mobility. 

The disparity between passport rankings is not just a matter of convenience but a reflection of complex geopolitical, economic, and administrative factors. 

India’s passport has faced criticism for its relatively weak global standing, restricting its citizens’ travel freedom. Examining the reasons behind this discrepancy unveils a multifaceted landscape of challenges that deserve attention and consideration.

1. Visa Restrictions and Bilateral Relations

Visa restrictions are a pivotal factor in determining a passport’s global mobility. Stricter visa policies can stem from security concerns, geopolitical tensions, or historical conflicts. Such restrictions can limit the number of nations Indians can visit without acquiring a visa, thus impacting the passport’s ranking. Bilateral relations play a vital role here. Historical disputes or political differences can lead to reciprocal visa regulations, constraining travel options for Indian passport holders.

2. Economic Factors and Global Influence

Economic strength and global influence are intertwined with passport rankings. Wealthier nations often have passports with broader travel privileges due to stronger diplomatic ties and global investments. While India has made significant economic strides, its lower per capita income and developmental status compared to certain countries can influence its passport ranking. Bridging this economic gap could potentially lead to improvements in travel freedom.

3. Security Concerns and Perception

Global security concerns have a direct impact on passport rankings. Nations perceived to have security risks may face stringent visa policies from other countries. India’s history of security challenges, such as terrorist incidents, has contributed to a perception that affects its passport’s ranking. Addressing these concerns through effective security measures could contribute to enhancing the passport’s global standing.

4. Lack of Reciprocity and Geopolitical Dynamics

Reciprocity is a cornerstone of passport rankings. If India faces stringent visa policies, it might respond in kind, further impacting its passport’s global standing. Geopolitical alliances and conflicts can influence visa policies, affecting the travel freedom of Indian passport holders. Collaborative efforts in international diplomacy could potentially lead to a more favorable environment for Indian travelers.

5. Administrative Efficiency

Administrative efficiency plays a crucial role in passport rankings. Timely issuance of passports, streamlined documentation systems, and efficient processing contribute to higher passport rankings. While India has made improvements, bureaucratic delays and a high volume of passport applications can impact its passport ranking. Investing in administrative enhancements could alleviate these challenges.

The Last Bit, India’s passport ranking is a confluence of various intricate factors, ranging from diplomatic relations to economic strength and administrative efficiency.

The weak ranking signifies not just a bureaucratic inconvenience but a nuanced landscape that requires multi-faceted solutions.

The struggle of the Indian passport holder, caught between aspirations and limitations, is a microcosm of larger national narratives.

 As India’s role on the global stage evolves, addressing the challenges behind the passport’s ranking must be part of a comprehensive strategy to empower its citizens and open doors to a world of opportunities.