India Introduces New Surrender Passport Program for Indian Citizens Abroad
In a bid to streamline the process for Indian citizens living abroad who wish to return to India permanently, the Indian government has introduced a new surrender passport program. The program is designed to make it easier for Indian citizens who have acquired foreign citizenship to surrender their Indian passports and obtain a surrender certificate, which will allow them to return to India whenever they wish without the need for a visa.
The surrender passport program is aimed at simplifying the process for Indian citizens who have acquired foreign citizenship and wish to renounce their Indian citizenship. Under the new program, Indian citizens who hold foreign passports can apply for a surrender certificate at their nearest Indian embassy or consulate. Once their application is approved, they will be issued a surrender certificate, which will serve as their proof of Indian citizenship and allow them to enter India without a visa.
The surrender passport program is especially beneficial for Indian citizens who may have lost or damaged their Indian passport, or who may have been unable to renew their passport due to various reasons. With the surrender certificate, they will no longer need to go through the lengthy and often complicated process of applying for a new passport or visa every time they wish to visit India.
The new surrender passport program has been welcomed by Indian citizens living abroad, many of whom have struggled with the bureaucratic hurdles of maintaining their Indian citizenship while also holding foreign citizenship. The program is expected to make it easier for Indian citizens to maintain their ties to India and visit their families and friends without the hassle of obtaining a visa each time.
While the surrender passport program is a positive step towards simplifying the process for Indian citizens living abroad, some critics have raised concerns about the potential impact of the program on dual citizens who may not wish to surrender their Indian citizenship. The government has clarified that the surrender passport program is voluntary and is only intended for Indian citizens who wish to renounce their Indian citizenship in favor of their foreign citizenship.
Overall, the introduction of the surrender passport program is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to simplify and streamline the process for Indian citizens living abroad. The program is expected to make it easier for Indian citizens to maintain their ties to India while also enjoying the benefits of their foreign citizenship. With the surrender certificate in hand, Indian citizens can now return to India whenever they wish, without the need for a visa or complicated paperwork.
