Indian Diaspora refers to people of Indian origin who had migrated to foreign lands either several generations ago or in recent past on long term Visas issued by other Countries and have since settled abroad.
- They include Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)/Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
- Current Status: As of January 2024, Population of Indian Diaspora was about 35.42 million, comprising 15.85 million NRIs and 19.57 million PIOs and OCIs.
Issues of Diaspora Highlighted and Recommendations by committee:
Areas | Concerns | Recommendations |
Conversion of PIO Cards to OCI Cards | Response under OCI Card Scheme has been slow and number of OCI cards issued is far inadequate. | Concerted efforts through social media, Diaspora organizations to ensure completion of conversion of all PIO cards to OCI cards by December 2025. |
Voting Rights to NRIs | As per existing norms, NRIs who have enrolled in voters list have to be present physically to cast votes. | Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) can be considered for extending voting rights of NRIs |
Transfer of Sentenced Persons from Foreign Jails | Only 8 Indian prisoners were transferred from foreign countries to India in last 3 years. | Need to enhance diplomatic effort to streamline process of transferring prisoners and ensuring fair treatment for Indian nationals in foreign jails. |
Status of Emigration Bill | Delay in the process of finalizing Emigration Bill despite witnessing harrowing incidents of illegal emigration. | Comprehensive legislative overhaul to replace Emigration Act 1983 and Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024 should be prioritized. |
Working Group on Schemes/Programmes for Welfare of Diaspora | No meeting is seen to have been held since 2021. | Ensure biannual meeting of Working Group to analyze objectives, working and challenges of various schemes/Programmes/initiatives. |
