India Introduces “White Passport” for its Citizens
In a historic move, the Indian government has announced the introduction of a new type of passport known as the “white passport.” This initiative aims to provide greater ease of travel and convenience for Indian citizens who have emigrated to foreign countries for employment or education purposes.
The white passport, which will be issued to Indian citizens who are living abroad and do not hold permanent residency or citizenship of the country they are residing in, will have distinct features from the regular blue passport. The white passport will have a white cover with the National Emblem of India emblazoned on it, distinguishing it from the standard blue passport.
Speaking about the introduction of the white passport, Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, emphasized that the new passport is a significant step towards fulfilling the government’s commitment to providing better services to Indian citizens living abroad. He stated that the white passport will streamline the travel documentation process for non-resident Indians and make it easier for them to travel back to India for visits or family reunions.
The white passport will be issued with a validity of ten years, similar to the blue passport, and will be available to Indian citizens holding valid visas or residency permits in foreign countries. However, it will not confer any rights of citizenship or permanent residency in India and is meant solely for travel purposes.
One of the key benefits of the white passport is that it will enable Indian citizens residing abroad to apply for visas to other countries without surrendering their Indian citizenship. This will eliminate the need for dual citizenship or renunciation of Indian citizenship, making it easier for Indian expatriates to travel internationally.
The introduction of the white passport has been welcomed by Indian communities around the world, who see it as a positive step towards strengthening their bond with their homeland. Many Indian expatriates have expressed their excitement about the new passport and the convenience it will bring to their travel experiences.
However, there have been some concerns raised about the security implications of the white passport, especially in terms of document fraud and illegal migration. The Indian government has assured that stringent measures will be in place to prevent any misuse of the white passport and that all security protocols will be adhered to during the issuance process.
In addition to the white passport, the government has also announced plans to introduce an e-passport facility for Indian citizens, which will include biometric features and electronic chip technology for enhanced security and convenience. The e-passport is expected to be rolled out in the coming years and will further streamline the travel documentation process for Indian citizens.
Overall, the introduction of the white passport marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to provide better services and facilities for its citizens living abroad. With this new initiative, Indian expatriates can look forward to smoother travel experiences and a stronger connection to their home country, making it easier for them to maintain their cultural and familial ties despite living oceans away.
