Canada passes new citizenship-by-descent law offering relief for lost Canadians including Indian-origin families
Canada has legislated a new citizenship-by-descent measure offering relief to “lost Canadians,” including many people of Indian origin whose ancestral links previously did not grant them citizenship. The law broadens eligibility and aims to restore citizenship rights to affected families.
Canada has approved a new citizenship-by-descent law providing relief to individuals known as “lost Canadians,” a group that includes many families of Indian origin. The legislation aims to restore citizenship rights to people whose ancestral circumstances meant they were excluded from automatic citizenship under previous rules.
Under the new law, children born abroad to Canadian parents or grandparents will have expanded eligibility to claim citizenship. Earlier rules limited citizenship by descent to only the first generation born outside Canada. This left many people with historic family ties to Canada without legal citizenship status despite strong emotional and cultural connections.
The change is significant for Indian-origin families whose relatives emigrated from India and settled in Canada generations ago. Many second and third generation descendants who lived abroad found themselves ineligible for citizenship due to technical rules. The updated law removes some of these barriers and allows these individuals to apply for Canadian citizenship based on their heritage.
Officials said the legislation is meant to address longstanding concerns about fairness and inclusion, and to recognise the historic bonds that many families maintain with Canada. Restoring citizenship rights also means that affected individuals may gain access to full civic participation, travel benefits and social services that come with Canadian citizenship.
Immigration experts welcomed the change, saying it will have positive social and economic impacts. Families separated by legal status may now have a clearer pathway to reunification and integration within Canadian society. Legal access to citizenship also means more stability for future generations.
The law also reflects Canada’s broader approach to immigration and multicultural inclusion. By enabling more descendants of Canadians to claim citizenship, the country strengthens ties with the global diaspora and honours the contributions of earlier waves of immigrants who helped build modern Canada.
Individuals who may benefit from the law are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and begin application processes through Canada’s immigration authorities. The measure is expected to help thousands reconnect with their Canadian identity and secure opportunities that come with recognized citizenship.
Overall, the citizenship-by-descent legislation represents a significant shift in Canada’s immigration policy, offering long awaited relief for families and individuals who were previously excluded due to technical citizenship definitions.
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