New Delhi, India

Record numbers of Indians have moved to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries over the last few years, even as the ties between India and the North American nation of Canada have strained recently.

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According to OECD’s International Migration Outlook: 2023 report, released Monday (Oct 23), Canada saw the biggest jump in the number of Indians moving to the nation with a 174 per cent rise between 2021 and 2022.

According to the report, a record number of foreign nationals acquired citizenship of OECD countries in 2022—2.8 million, a 25 per cent hike from the previous year. Although the list didn’t provide a country-wise breakup, it said Indians dominated the list since 2019.

The US granted most citizenships

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In 2021, approximately 130,000 Indians obtained citizenship in OECD member countries, with the United States leading the way by granting 56,000 citizenship. Australia followed closely with 24,000, and Canada provided 21,000.

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In contrast, 57,000 Chinese nationals secured OECD citizenship, placing them fifth on the list of immigrants.

About OECD

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental organisation founded in 1961 to promote economic progress and global trade. 

Comprising 38 member countries, it is headquartered in France and includes wealthy nations known for their high rankings on the Human Development Index, often referred to as developed countries. Their combined population is approximately 1.38 billion.

Sri Lanka approves visa-free entry for Indians

In another news from Sri Lanka, the South Asian nation Tuesday (Oct 24) approved visa free entry to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand. 

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Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Ali Sabry, stated that the pilot project, which commenced immediately, will extend until March 31, 2024.

“Cabinet approves issuing of free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till 31 March," posted Sabry on X.

(With inputs from agencies)

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