A rising number of Indians are converting migration into long-term settlement, with record numbers acquiring citizenship in advanced economies. In 2023, more than 2.25 lakh Indians became citizens of OECD countries, the highest among all nationalities, marking a significant stage in India’s global mobility trends.
The surge coincides with stricter visa regimes in several advanced economies, including higher fees and new restrictions introduced under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. As temporary work and study visas become harder to navigate, many skilled professionals are opting for the stability and social security benefits that come with citizenship.
India Tops Global Naturalisation Charts
Out of the 2.8 million people who gained citizenship in OECD countries in 2023, Indians accounted for the largest share. They were followed by Filipinos (1.32 lakh) and Chinese nationals (92,400).
India has now maintained this lead for the second consecutive year, with citizenship acquisitions rising steadily from 2.06 lakh (2021) to 2.14 lakh (2022) and 2.25 lakh (2023).
The OECD describes naturalisation as both a sign of long-term settlement and a catalyst for better economic and social integration.
Different Pathways, Unequal Access
The report highlights major differences in the ease of acquiring citizenship across countries:
Country Residency Requirement Additional Barriers
Canada 3 years Moderate language and integration requirements
Australia 4 years Civic knowledge test
Europe (varies) Generally longer Stricter language, income and integration tests
Despite these barriers, Indian migrants continue to show strong settlement patterns, especially in English-speaking countries.
Migration Outflows Continue to Rise
Migration from India to OECD nations grew 8% in 2023, with 6 lakh Indians relocating for employment, education, or family reasons.
United Kingdom remained the top destination, accounting for nearly 1.44 lakh migrants. A significant portion arrived through the Health and Care Worker visa route, including 39,000 main applicants and 57,000 accompanying dependents.
Canada welcomed about 1.4 lakh Indians, reflecting an 18% increase.
United States migration dropped sharply to 68,000, down 45% from 2022 due to tightened work visa norms and delayed processing.
Meanwhile, 3.7 lakh Chinese citizens moved to OECD countries in 2023, particularly to the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, but India maintained a clear lead in overall arrivals and naturalisations.
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