When is the dual nationality legislation likely to be implemented?
The Dual Nationality Bill should soon be an Act, since there is support for it among the political parties in India. I really see it likely to be put into practice this summer. Bilateral dialogue will have to start once the Bill is passed. How will this benefit NRIs? It is really in the mind more than in the pocket. It will give a feeling that, yes, they are as much a part of Indian cultural, civilisational heritage as they are of their country of adoption and they can come to India whenever they feel like it without first going to an Indian embassy or consulate as an intermediary to give them a visa. That’s the kind of feeling which is very important. As far as the pocket is concerned, there, of course, we had already given various facilities as part of our PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card which was in a way giving a long term visa and also giving facilities for investments in India, stock markets, purchase of properties — things like that. This process will be carried further with
