1. The Diaspora: Indian’s Around the World

There are 31.2 million people of Indian origin around the world out of this about 13 million are Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and about 17 million are NRIs. This Diaspora is a diverse group both economically, historically and in terms of qualifications. Nonetheless, this group is a strategic asset for India and is often considered to be the unofficial ambassadors of India in their host countries. They contribute resources, advocate India’s cause and contribute to the development of their own country thus generating goodwill for India. Remittances sent by the Indian Diaspora accounts for 3 percent of the GDP.

1.1. Defining the Diaspora 1.1.1. Pattern 1.2. Indian Diaspora: Characteristics 1.3. Waves of Migrations: The Old and New Diaspora ♤ the New Diaspora, and The first wave of the Indian Diaspora is what we call the “Old Diaspora.” It began during the early 19th century and continued until the end of the British Raj.1.3.1.3. Labour in South East Asia 1.3.2. The New Diaspora 1.3.2.1. After Independence ♤ terminated the racist 1924 Johnson-Reed Act,Indian citizens are far and away the top recipients of H-1B visas each year. As a result the Indian diaspora in the US is highly-skilled. The US Census Bureau estimates that 75% percent of all ethnic Indians working in the US hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and 69% percent work in management and professional occupations.1.4. Status, Success and Future ♤ In terms of number they constitute 40 percent of the populations in Fiji, Trinidad, Guyana, Reunion and Suriname, and 70 percent of Mauritius – all Old Diaspora countries.1.5. Issues and Challenges 1.5.1. Rights and Changing Policies in Gulf class” status.1.5.2. Protectionism and Nationalist Sentiments in USA 1.5.3. Xenophobia and Violence 1.5.4. Ethnic Ties in the Old Diaspora Countries 1.6. The Future 1.7. Government Policy and Steps 1.8. What Needs to Be Done?1.9. The Overseas Citizen of India An Overseas Citizen of India is a lifetime visa status with some added benefits. Who can be an OCI?The following groups of people cannot have OCI status:What are the benefits of being an OCI?What are the limitations?How do you become an OCI?