Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs, on Sunday said that a total of 18,855 people received Indian citizenship in the last five years.

The statement was made during the Lok Sabha sessions on Sunday.

Out of the 18,855 people, 15,012 are from Bangladesh alone.

"Altogether 18,855 people of 56 nationalities were granted Indian citizenship in the last five years," he said.

A total of 15,012 Bangaldeshi, 2,668 Pakistani, 109 Sri Lankan, 665 Afghan, 105 American, 40 Nepali, 40 UK, 23 Kenya, 21 Malaysia, 18 Canada and 18 Singapore citizens were given Indian nationality between 2015 and 2019, he added.

"Records of persons granted Indian citizenship under Section 5 (by registration) or Section 6 (by naturalisation) of the Citizenship Act, 1955 are maintained as per the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955 are maintained as per the provisions of the said Act and rules made thereunder. These records are not maintained religion-wise," the MoS said.

Additionally, more than 21,000 foreigners obtained Indian citizenship in the last decade.