World's Most Powerful Passports: Germany tops the list, India ranks 78th

Dubai: Indian passport has been ranked a lowly 78 in a global ranking of the world's most powerful passports which was topped by Germany.

Germany stands at the top with a visa-free score of 157 while Singapore overtakes South Korea and becomes the highest ranked Asian passport with a visa-free score of 156.

India stands at 78th position with a visa-free score of 46, ahead of Pakistan which is ranked 94th on the list. Afghanistan's is the least powerful passport with a visa-free score of just 23.

The latest edition of the world's most popular Arton Capital's global ranking 'Passport Index' is based on cross-border access of national passports.

The world's most popular online interactive tool which collects, displays and ranks the passports globally assigns a "visa-free score" according to the number of countries a passport holder can visit visa-free or with visa on arrival.

"The desire to improve one's opportunity and security for their family transcends borders. As such, having a second citizenship has never been more relevant," said John Hanafin, CEO of Arton Capital.

The newly added 'World Openness Score' (WOS) tracks the progression of freedom of mobility across the globe. The WOS in 2016 was 17,925. In the first month of 2017, the score has already increased to 17,948.

"This trend shows opening of borders but will it continue? With the recent backlash against globalisation and ongoing immigration issues, the World Openness Score may be in danger of decline," the report said.

In recent years, citizenship by investment has become a USD 2 billion industry, with over 20,000 investors seeking a second residency or citizenship around the globe every year.