StatsCan – Source country matters: Citizenship trends among recent immigrants in Australia and Canada

Another informative study, highlighting common patterns and flagging divergence with respect to source countries. As I had noted earlier in work with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, the prohibition of dual citizenship in source countries does not affect naturalization rates, whereas comparative growth rates do, as countries with more rapid growth lower the “value proposition” of Canadian citizenship:

…In both countries, the declines in immigrant citizenship rates were most pronounced among those from countries with substantial living-standard gains (e.g., China, with 82% growth in GDP per capita PPP, and India, Vietnam and the Philippines, with 39% to 56% growth) or enhanced passport strength (e.g., Colombia and China). These reductions contrast with minimal changes from nations showing slower growth (e.g., source countries with less than 15% GDPgains). Notably, source-country economic expansion (China’s 82% vs. Canada’s 6% and Australia’s 10%) appears strongly correlated with falling naturalization rates, suggesting that improved economic conditions in the source country reduce immigrant incentives for citizenship acquisition in the destination country.

Dual citizenship recognition had minimal influence on naturalization patterns. Source countries with similar living standards but differing dual citizenship policies showed similar citizenship rates. Declines in citizenship rates occurred across major origin countries despite stable dual citizenship policies during the study period. This consistency means that dual citizenship regulations in source countries were not a driver for the reduced naturalization rates in both Australia and Canada. Furthermore, some countries have made acquiring foreign citizenship less prohibitive, even while dual citizenship is not allowed. For instance, China has introduced reforms granting residency and certain rights to skilled overseas Chinese people since 2010. Likewise, India’s Overseas Citizenship of India program, established in 2005, offers eligible people of Indian origin various socioeconomic benefits, residency rights and long-term visas (Tan & Liu, 2024).

While source-country developments influenced citizenship trends, divergent declines between Australia and Canada suggest additional factors. Chinese, Colombian, Vietnamese and Pakistani immigrants showed steeper drops in Australia, while Filipinos, South Koreans, Britons, Americans, Sri Lankans, Malaysians, Iranians and Iraqis declined more in Canada. Notably, living standards changed very little in South Africa, Iran and Iraq, yet South African immigrants experienced about 12 percentage point decreases in both nations, whereas the rates for Iranian and Iraqi immigrants declined significantly in Canada but remained stable in Australia. 

These differences between the two countries in naturalization trends among immigrants from the same source nation indicate that other explanations are at play. These might include differences between the two countries in the modification of their policies and regulations regarding citizenship acquisition, differences in the characteristics of immigrants from the same source nation, and other unknown factors. 

In summary, this study analyzed changes in citizenship rates among recent immigrants from major source nations to Australia and Canada. By focusing on immigrants who have met residency requirements for naturalization, the analysis examined observed and adjusted citizenship rates—controlling for sociodemographic characteristics—across 14 major source-country groups. The findings revealed marked declines in citizenship uptake among recent immigrants in both countries over the 2011-to-2021 period. These declines were most pronounced among immigrants from countries that have seen significant improvements in living standards or passport strength, particularly China, India, Vietnam, the Philippines and Colombia. Dual citizenship policies in the source country appear to have little effect on naturalization trends. The magnitude of declines varied by country of destination and source country. 

This study demonstrates that immigrant naturalization patterns must be understood transnationally. Improvements in source-country economies, expanded global mobility options and enhanced passport values collectively reduce immigrant incentives for citizenship acquisition in destination countries. The observed declines suggest a partial decoupling of permanent residency from citizenship. Notably, while destination-country integration and citizenship policies can clearly affect naturalization patterns, they appear to be increasingly contingent on immigrants’ evolving motivations and source-country conditions. These findings challenge conventional integration models and underscore how dynamic global hierarchies and transnational migrant strategies can shape migration outcomes—in this case, the naturalization rate.

Source: Source country matters: Citizenship trends among recent immigrants in Australia and Canada

Ukraine names first countries eligible for simplified multiple citizenship

Not surprising, Canada on the list among others:

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) welcomes the decision by Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers to approve a list of countries whose citizens will be able to acquire Ukrainian citizenship through a simplified procedure.

According to Resolution No. 1412 of Nov. 5, the list includes Canada, the U.S., Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

The resolution will take effect simultaneously with the law “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine to Ensure the Right to Acquire and Retain Ukrainian Citizenship” that was adopted by Ukraine’s parliament on June 18.

This decision marks an important step toward implementing the right of Ukrainians abroad to hold multiple citizenship. The adoption of this resolution not only strengthens the bond between Ukraine and the global Ukrainian community but will also help engage Ukrainians worldwide in the country’s post-war reconstruction.

The UWC has for years consistently supported legislative initiatives aimed at recognizing multiple citizenship, and the government’s decision today represents a historic moment for millions of Ukrainians abroad who seek to maintain a strong connection with their homeland.

The introduction of a simplified procedure for citizens of friendly nations sends a poignant  signal of unity among Ukrainians worldwide and represents another step toward Ukraine’s deeper integration into the Euro-Atlantic community.

As a reminder, on Oct. 8, Ukraine’s government adopted a resolution that set out the criteria for foreign states with which Ukraine can introduce a simplified process for acquiring citizenship.

In August, during a meeting with the UWC leadership, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy first named the countries that would be included in this simplified citizenship process.

Source: Ukraine names first countries eligible for simplified multiple citizenship

Todd: 10 reasons fewer newcomers are becoming Canadian citizens

Good overview:

The pandemic mattered, somewhat
COVID might account for 40 per cent of the decline in naturalization rates in the five years before the 2021 census, estimate Fou and Picot. But Fou emphasizes that, even after removing the pandemic effect, “the citizenship rate declined at a faster pace from 2016 to 2021 than during any other five-year period since 1996.”

Canada has lost comparative advantage
With Canada performing poorly in the past decade in regard to GDP per capita, the country isn’t offering the solid wages it once did. Meanwhile, many other countries are doing better than they did in the past.

It’s revealing that the immigrants most likely to apply for citizenship are from countries with grim economies and severe civil strife, including such as Iran and Pakistan. Citizenship take-up is lower among newcomers from countries such as Britain and India.

Andrew Griffith, a former immigration department director now with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), adds that many migrants with high-tech skills are using Canada as a stopover, where they can build up their credentials to eventually access the U.S. marketplace, which is harder to get into but has much higher-paying jobs.

Housing crisis
“Unaffordable housing is the top reason not to naturalize,” said Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the ICC. “This suggests that it’s a question of optimism about the future. If Canadians aren’t optimistic about our future overall, we shouldn’t be surprised that non-citizen residents of Canada feel the same way.”

Canadian citizenship has been devalued
Separate from debates over whether too many Canadian politicians have been overstressing the problematic aspects of the nation’s identity and history, migration specialists point to specific signs of devaluation.

Griffith believes Ottawa’s move to shift most citizenship ceremonies online has been discouraging for some.

He also thinks Canadian citizenship was diminished when the country moved to “unlimited voting rights for expatriates.” It used to be that non-resident citizens couldn’t vote after being out of the country for five years, but now it’s possible for millions to vote in federal elections regardless of how long they’ve been outside the country.

Ottawa has also “removed preferential hiring of citizens in the public service,” said Griffith. One now need only be a permanent resident to apply.

China is making things tougher
China has been among the top three sources of newcomers to Canada, where immigrants make up one out of four residents. But retired immigration lawyer Samuel Hyman notes China has been lately forcing its citizens to choose “whether they want to continue to have access to their wealth and assets in China” or be prepared to become Canadian citizens and struggle with far fewer rights in the homeland.

Lack of dual citizenship can discourage
Relatedly, the appeal of Canadian citizenship could be decreasing for people from nations like China and India in part because they don’t allow dual citizenship. As Hyman said by way of example, a migrant from India who becomes a Canadian citizen loses the right to inherit or buy property in India.

Citizenship uptake
Popular internet discussion forums, such as on Reddit, are devoted to foreign nationals in Canada discussing the financial and social-services consequences of obtaining citizenship in Canada while losing it in one’s homeland.

International tax scrutiny has expanded
The government of Stephen Harper stepped up tax scrutiny of offshore wealth, said Hyman. That put pressure on people with luxury lifestyles to report to the Canada Revenue Agency on how and where they made their money. It may have contributed, Hyman said, to Canada losing its appeal to some high-net-worth individuals.

Overemphasis on self-interest
While many commentators now highlight the value of Canadian pride and loyalty, some immigration advisers stress mere transactional self-interest. They advise clients that if they become citizens they can spend more time outside the country, and that a Canadian passport will allow them to travel to more countries. It can make the country less appealing.

Citizenship fees increased
On a bureaucratic note, some suggest it’s significant that the government has for a decade steadily hiked the fees that permanent residents must pay to obtain citizenship. [Note: Fees were increased by the Harper government in 2014-15 and have been frozen ever since. Liberal electoral platforms promised to eliminate fees in 2019 and 2021 but this was never implemented.]

Lack of encouragement
Canada used to put more effort into encouraging would-be immigrants to learn Canadian history, laws and values, Griffith said, culminating in an often-emotional in person ceremony. He recommends the immigration department begin to devote two per cent of its [Note: settlement services] budget to “citizenship preparation courses.”

Source: 10 reasons fewer newcomers are becoming Canadian citizens

The Citizenship of Elon Musk and his Brood

Recently, petition e-5353 (Citizenship and immigration) was launched, advocating revocation of Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship. The petition struck a chord with many Canadians (over 300,000 signatures as of February 26). 

While there are no legal grounds for revoking his citizenship under current legislation or under the previous revocation provisions of the Harper government, Musk and his families provide an interesting illustration of how citizenship by descent works in practice for three countries: Canada, USA and South Africa.

Musk was born in South Africa, obtained Canadian citizenship through descent by his Canadian mother, and become an American citizen after living and working in the USA. Three of the mothers of his children are Canadian-born, the most recent mother is US-born. All of his children were born in the USA.

The previous first generation cut-off for Canadian citizenship meant than none of Musk’s children would have been Canadian citizens were it not for the fact that the first three mothers were born in Canada and thus able to transmit their citizenship. However their children (second generation) would not be able to do so. 

The proposed revision of the Citizenship Act in Bill C-71, likely to be revived in some form, would allow these children to obtain Canadian citizenship provided they met the residency requirement of 1,095 days in Canada, within a time limit of five years or without a time limit as C-71 proposed.. 

It is likely that all of his children would have been entitled to South African citizenship, provided that Musk did not renounce his South African citizenship and registered the birth with South African authorities. However, there is no indication that Musk has registered their births in South Africa.  

With respect to American citizenship, some media commentary has made a linkage between Musk’s offspring and the Trump administration’s executive order to curtail birthright citizenship, just as some have highlighted that Musk may have worked illegally for a brief period in the USA (Musk has denied). However, it is hard to see how Trump’s executive order, even in the unlikely event courts rule in its favour, would impact on Musk’s offspring given his American citizenship.

Opinion | The Diaspora Dilemma: Taxation, Dual Citizenship, And Voting Rights

Interesting take from an Indian perspective (interestingly, Canada does not figure among destination countries perhaps reflecting fewer taxation issues but Canadian NRIs form 6.4 percent of total, 2024 data):

In 2023, India received a staggering $125 billion in remittances. The number of NRI and OCI card holders is upwards of 32 million individuals. The numbers are staggering, undeniably highlighting the immense contribution of the Indian diaspora. However, beneath these impressive figures lies a complex relationship, a balancing act between celebrating the global Indian presence and addressing their very real challenges and aspirations.

The Tax‘ing’ Reality

One of the most persistent hurdles for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) is navigating the labyrinthine Indian tax system. Double taxation looms large, a significant concern for many. Indeed, a recent survey revealed that double taxation is a primary concern for a considerable percentage of NRIs across various countries: 14.11 per cent in Australia, 13.10 per cent in the UK, and 8.06 per cent in the US, to be precise.

Compounding this issue is the difficulty in accessing necessary taxation documents from abroad. The same survey highlighted this struggle, with 12.10 per cent of NRIs in the US, 9.05 per cent in the UK, and 6.02 per cent in Australia reporting this as a major challenge.

Furthermore, accessing crucial taxation documents from abroad adds another layer of difficulty. For 12.10 per cent of NRIs in the US, 9.05 per cent in the UK, and 6.02 per cent in Australia, simply obtaining the necessary paperwork is a significant challenge.

Despite government efforts, tax-related issues continue to proliferate. Streamlining these processes would be a tangible step towards acknowledging the economic contributions of the diaspora.

A Voice Without A Vote?

Democracy thrives on participation, yet for many NRIs, the right to exercise their franchise remains largely symbolic. The numbers paint a concerning picture of poor electoral participation among overseas Indian voters in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Despite nearly 1.2 lakh NRIs registering as electors, a minuscule number actually turned up to vote.

The Election Commission’s data reveals a stark truth: only 2,958 overseas electors flew down to India to participate in the “largest democratic exercise in the world,” and a staggering 2,670 of those were from Kerala alone. The fact that several large states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu saw zero turnout of overseas electors speaks volumes.

The reasons behind this dismal participation are not hard to fathom. The current electoral law mandates that registered NRI voters must physically travel to their respective Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies to cast their vote, presenting their original passports as proof of identity. This requirement poses significant logistical and financial hurdles. Travel costs, employment obligations, and educational commitments abroad make it virtually impossible for the vast majority of NRIs to exercise their right to vote.

The Election Commission itself acknowledges these challenges, having proposed extending the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) facility to overseas voters – a move that, unfortunately, is still in the works.

The Dual Citizenship Conundrum

The concept of dual citizenship for Indians living abroad is a topic of enduring debate, fraught with both promise and perceived peril. As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar rightly pointed out in 2023, offering dual citizenship presents “security and economic challenges.” Concerns linger about the potential for divided loyalties and the complexities of managing citizens with allegiance to multiple nations.

However, the desire for dual citizenship among the diaspora is palpable, driven by a yearning to maintain their connection with India while fully participating in their adopted homelands.

The OCI card, while offering certain privileges like multiple entries and a lifelong visa, falls short of granting full citizenship rights. It excludes OCIs from political and electoral life, preventing them from holding government jobs or acquiring agricultural land. For many, the OCI status feels like a consolation prize, not a true recognition of their continued connection to India.

NRIs And National Interest

India’s diaspora is far more than just a reliable source of remittances; it’s a vibrant and powerful extension of India’s global influence. Their achievements paint a compelling picture of Indian talent and capability on the world stage. Consider the example of Indian-origin CEOs leading global tech giants – their success stories become India’s success stories, bolstering its image as a hub of innovation and technological prowess.

Similarly, the growing number of Indian-origin politicians in positions of power across Western nations offers India valuable access and understanding within these critical geopolitical spheres.

This widespread network acts as a bridge, fostering greater cultural understanding and goodwill. The global popularity of Indian cuisine, yoga, and Bollywood, often championed and celebrated by the diaspora, introduces aspects of Indian culture to a wider audience, creating a positive association with the country. Moreover, these established communities often serve as vital conduits for diplomatic and economic engagement.

Bridging The Divide

The challenges faced by the Indian diaspora are not insurmountable. Addressing them requires a nuanced approach that carefully balances national interests with the genuine needs and aspirations of its global citizenry. Streamlining taxation processes, exploring viable options for remote voting, and seriously considering the merits of dual citizenship are crucial steps towards fostering a more robust and mutually beneficial relationship. Ignoring the challenges risks alienating a significant segment of the Indian community, a community whose contributions are vital to India’s economic and cultural standing on the world stage.

Source: Opinion | The Diaspora Dilemma: Taxation, Dual Citizenship, And Voting Rights

Saudi Arabia presses Florida man to give up US citizenship over critical tweets, family says

Of note:

Saudi Arabia has forced a Florida retiree to try to renounce his American citizenship after jailing him over social media posts critical of the kingdom’s crown prince, according to the man’s son.

The retiree, 74-year-old Saad Almadi, is one of at least four dual Saudi-American nationals who accuse Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s government of pressuring them to give up their U.S. citizenship, a U.S.-based Middle East human rights group said.

The alleged tactic by a key strategic partner of the U.S., which has not been previously reported, tracks with similar efforts to silence even mild criticism, including the threat of imprisonment and exit bans like the one that has kept Almadi from returning to the U.S. after being released from more than a year in a Saudi prison.

“There are Saudi princes that come to the U.S. for routine medical checkups, so why can’t an American citizen return home for his health?” Ibrahim Almadi said of his father.

“It’s all because we don’t want to upset our ally’s feelings,” he said in an interview from Washington. “If this were Russia, Iran or North Korea, he would’ve been declared wrongfully detained months ago.”

The Saudi Embassy in Washington acknowledged receiving a request for comment on the allegations but did not otherwise respond. The Saudi government doesn’t recognize dual citizenship. It regularly rejects criticism of its actions, saying they are part of a multiyear crackdown on corruption, terrorism and other security threats.

The plight of the elder Almadi and others could complicate U.S. efforts to turn the page on tensions arising from the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi….

Source: Saudi Arabia presses Florida man to give up US citizenship over critical tweets, family says


















Canada’s Supreme Court ’signed my son’s death warrant,’ mother of alleged ex-ISIL member says

Letts was UK’s problem and its not accepting of that responsibility led to Letts’ family understandably advocating given that he is a dual citizen by descent (born and raised in UK). “Canadian of convenience” in one sense:

The mother of a Canadian man detained in Syria says the Supreme Court of Canada has signed her son’s death warrant by closing the door on a plea to hear his case.

“I’ve been screaming about this for 7 1/2 years now,” said Sally Lane, the mother of Jack Letts. “I’m exhausted. I just want my son back.”

The Supreme Court had already declined to hear a challenge of a Federal Court of Appeal ruling that said Ottawa is not obligated under the law to repatriate Letts and three other Canadian men.

In a fresh notice filed with the court in March, lawyers for the men said exceedingly rare circumstances warranted another look at the application for leave to appeal.

A letter to the lawyers, dated last Friday, says the motion for reconsideration cannot be accepted for filing, leaving no further remedies in the top court.

“I have reviewed your motion for reconsideration and your affidavit in support,” says the letter from the court registrar. “I regret to inform you that, in my opinion, your motion does not reveal the exceedingly rare circumstances which would warrant reconsideration by this Court.”

The detained Canadian men are among the many foreign nationals in ramshackle detention centres run by Kurdish forces that reclaimed the war-ravaged region from militant group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant….

Source: Canada’s Supreme Court ’signed my son’s death warrant,’ mother of alleged ex-ISIL member says

Kuwait revokes citizenship of more than 10,000 people with dual nationality

Of note (mainly from neighbouring countries):

Kuwait’s Central Agency for Remedying Illegal Residents’ Status (CARIRS) has revoked the citizenship of more than 10,000 people with dual nationality between 2011 and last month, the KUNA news agency has reported.

According to the agency, the step is the result of a full decade of Kuwaiti efforts to address the dual nationality file, and comes as a culmination of a campaign that began last year to confront those who obtain Kuwaiti citizenship illegally. Almost 1,000 such people have been detected to date. Kuwait does not recognise dual nationality and children with dual nationality have two years after reaching the age of 18 to decide whether to retain Kuwaiti nationality or keep their other nationality.

The Director of the Situation Amendment Department in CARIRS, General Muhammad Al-Wahib, told KUNA that 6,054 residents’ status had been changed to Saudi nationality; 1,188 to Iraqi nationality; 868 to Syrian nationality; 131 to Iranian nationality; 53 to Jordanian nationality; and 1,962 to other nationalities.

Al-Wahib pointed out that these statistics include individuals who have parents or relatives who own documents from different nationalities and do not include those who have other relatives with proven nationality.

He called on those wishing to amend their status to visit CARIRS in the Eastern Region, to settle their residencies and regularise their status according to the residency laws in force in Kuwait.

The Gulf state has in recent years intensified efforts to amend the status of those residing illegally in the country.

Source: Kuwait revokes citizenship of more than 10,000 people with dual nationality

Zelenskyy submits draft law on multiple citizenship to parliament

Of note:

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has submitted a draft law on multiple citizenship to the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian parliament).

Details: The explanatory note states that the adoption of this law will help ensure conditions for the return of citizens who were forced to leave Ukraine due to the full-scale war and their retention of Ukrainian citizenship.

In addition, it will expand opportunities for certain categories of foreigners and stateless persons to acquire Ukrainian citizenship.

Zelenskyy proposes that multiple citizenship (nationality) should be allowed in the following cases:

  • simultaneous acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship and citizenship of another state by a child at birth;
  • acquisition by a child who is a Ukrainian citizen of the citizenship of their foreign adoptive parents;
  • automatic acquisition of another citizenship by a Ukrainian citizen as a result of marriage to a foreigner;
  • automatic acquisition by a Ukrainian citizen who has reached the age of 18 of another citizenship, as a result of the application of the legislation on citizenship of a foreign state, if such a Ukrainian citizen has not received a document confirming the citizenship of another state;
  • acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship under a simplified procedure by citizens of other states who are included in the list of those who can obtain Ukrainian citizenship under a simplified procedure;
  • acquisition by a Ukrainian citizen of citizenship of states from the list of states whose citizens acquire Ukrainian citizenship under a simplified procedure.

Moreover, multiple citizenship will not be allowed for people who have citizenship of Russia (i.e. a country recognised as an aggressor/occupying state by the Verkhovna Rada) or a state that does not recognise the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. 

The draft law also aims to simplify the procedure for acquiring Ukrainian citizenship and improve the regulation of the legal status of foreigners and stateless persons who are or were on active military service under contract in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, the National Guard of Ukraine, or are married to such persons, or are their children.

This document has several functions, here are the most important ones: 

  • it clarifies the conditions for acquiring Ukrainian citizenship by birth, by territorial origin, and the conditions for admission to citizenship;
  • it revises the grounds for the loss of Ukrainian citizenship;
  • it regulates the possibility of submitting an expired passport by foreigners and stateless persons who served in the military to obtain a temporary residence permit; and
  • it regulates the legal status of foreigners and stateless persons who, during martial law, provide or have provided fire support, tactical, medical, radio engineering, bomb disposal and other kinds of assistance to the army directly in the areas of combat actions.

Source: Zelenskyy submits draft law on multiple citizenship to parliament, record sheet for draft law no. 11469

‘It’s not that easy’: plan to allow dual citizenship leaves Indonesia divided

Of note:

Members of the Indonesian diaspora have welcomed an announcement from a high-ranking government official that plans to allow for dual citizenship are in the works, but they are wary of whether there is enough political will to make it happen.

“We welcome the discourse [to allow] dual citizenship, because in the end, the diaspora and children of mixed marriages also benefit from it, as well as the country,” Enggi Holt, an Indonesian who lives in Britain, told This Week in Asia.

“But we also have to see how far the government dares to change the paradigm, from single citizenship to dual citizenship, because the costs will be very high. [An amendment to the law] is a political process between the government and the legislature, so the sticking point is, do they have the political will or is it just a political campaign? If it’s a political campaign, it’s not worth digging further.”

Indonesia does not allow adults to hold dual nationalities, and children of mixed marriages must decide their nationality at the age of 21.

However, Luhut Pandjaitan, Indonesia’s coordinating minister for maritime affairs and investment, said the government was working on changes to that law.

“We are welcoming the Indonesian diaspora soon with the provision of dual citizenship. When they [diaspora] fulfil the requirements to obtain Indonesian citizenship, in my opinion, it will really help the Indonesian economy and also bring highly skilled Indonesians [diaspora] back to Indonesia,” Luhut said at an event attended by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella in Jakarta on April 30.

However, he did not offer any particular timeline or further details about the potential change to the law, and nothing else has been announced since.

The statement by Luhut, also known as President Joko Widodo’s right-hand man, has sparked hope among diaspora members, particularly those who have campaigned for years for the country to “progress” towards adopting a dual-nationality principle.

Source: ‘It’s not that easy’: plan to allow dual citizenship leaves Indonesia divided