The Hague (The Netherlands): Regretting that the promise of dual nationality to persons of Indian origin (PIO) is taking a long time to materialise, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has announced that Indians residing in The Netherlands will be eligible for dual citizenship.

"We are now working hard to realise it. People of The Netherlands will be eligible for dual nationality," he said to cheers from the audience at a reception by the Indian community hosted by the Indian Ambassador Shyamala Cowsik in The Hague last night (Nov 7, 2004).

The then Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao had promised dual citizenship in Washington but it has taken an unduly long period to make it a reality.

Singh also said that "pravasi diwas" (day of persons of Indian origin) would be celebrated in Mumbai in January next.