Adnan Sami gets Indian citizenship, finally!
Pakistani singer Adnan Sami was given the citizenship of India by the government today. An elated Sami told reporters that he was on his way to Delhi and in all likelihood would visit the ministry of home affairs to finish formalities. He tweeted saying: "A New Beginning... A New Feeling... A New Belonging... A New Love Affair... A New Country... JAI HIND!!!"
Who is Adnan Sami?
Adnan Sami is a Pakistani singer/musician known for songs such as 'Lift kara de', 'Bhar do Jholi', 'Tera Chehra' to name some. Lahore-born Sami had first arrived in India on March 13, 2001 on a visitor's visa with the validity of one year.
Adnan Sami applies for Indian citizenship
Pakistani singer-musician Adnan Sami applied to seek Indian citizenship for a second time despite his earlier plea being rejected by the Centre. The Home Ministry is considering it. His previous attempt at seeking citizenship was rejected 2 years ago. Under the Indian Citizenship Act, a foreigner can get Indian citizenship provided he'she has rendered exemplary service to science, art, music, social service et al.
Sami gets permission for indefinite stay in India
The Indian government has allowed singer Adnan Sami an indefinite stay in the country following his request to legalise his sojourn in India on humanitarian grounds. Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of State for Home told the Lok Sabha that Sami had been excused from deportation proceedings under the Section 3 of the Foreigners Act. Sami had submitted this plea on 26 May 2015.
Pakistan won't give up Sami
Adnan Sami's attempts to transform to an Indian citizen were jerked after Pakistani officials declined to issue "renunciation of citizenship certificate" to him over his apparent "disrespectful behaviour" towards his Pakistani national identity. Pakistani officials handling with his renunciation process were quoted as saying that the denial came after the singer "threw away his nationality documents". Sami will have to submit unconditional apology now.
Visas and citizenships to Pakistani nationals
As per the data of Indian home ministry, 3,753 Pakistani citizens were given long-term visas over 2013 and 2014 (up to June 30) and 1,854 granted citizenship between 2011 and 2014.
Shiv Sena miffed with government for granting citizenship
The government's resolution to grant Indian nationality to Adnan Sami has outraged Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande challenged the administration's decision calling it a contradictory stance. Shiv Sena pointed out that on one hand Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was deported from Hyderabad (because Pakistani nationals can only enter through Delhi or Mumbai) and on the other Sami was given citizenship.
