Renunciation of Indian citizenship and Surrender of Indian Passport
Indian nationals considering the acquisition of foreign citizenship are reminded that the Indian Citizenship Act does not provide for dual citizenship. Thus Indian nationals who have acquired foreign citizenship are required to apply for a ‘Renunciation of Indian Citizenship/ Surrender Certificate’ by surrendering their Indian Passport. Under Section 12(1A) of the Passports Act, possession of an Indian passport by foreign nationals is a cognizable offense. This equally applies to Indian nationals who have acquired foreign nationality.
Consequently, in any instance where an Indian national seeks to renounce Indian citizenship, the case will now be processed under the following categories:
Adults who acquired foreign citizenship on or after 1st June 2010
Minors who acquired foreign citizenship on or after 1st June 2010
Adults and minor applicants (at the time) who acquired foreign citizenship before 1st June 2010.
How to apply
Details of the procedure in each case are given below:
Adults who have acquired foreign nationality on or after 01/06/2010:
Indian nationals who have acquired foreign nationality on or after 01/06/2010 are required to apply for the following services:
Renunciation of Indian citizenship and Surrender of Indian Passport:
Fee:
A fee of £69 for the Surrender of an Indian Passport is to be deposited at the VFS service center. Appointments for VFS services are available online.Renunciation of Indian Citizenship: Please also simultaneously apply for renunciation of Indian citizenship by making a declaration of intention to renounce Indian citizenship, in Form XXII, as specified in Rule 23 of The Citizenship Rules, 2009. The Indian Citizenship Act 1955 does not allow dual citizenship for persons of Indian origin.
Why do I need to Surrender my Indian Passport?
Once you have acquired foreign citizenship, you are required to surrender your Indian passport to the nearest Indian mission/post to renunciate Indian citizenship.
The date on the Naturalisation Certificate will be treated as the date of acquiring foreign nationality and not from the date the British Passport was issued.
How much is the penalty for misusing an Indian Passport?
Misuse of an Indian Passport constitutes an offence under the Indian Passport Act 1967 and may attract prosecution However, the imposition of monetary penalties by Passport Issuing Authorities has been suspended by Govt. of India.
Can I keep both my Indian and Foreign/British Nationality?
The Indian Citizenship Act, 1955, does not allow dual citizenship. Holding an Indian Passport / acquiring an Indian Passport /travelling on an Indian passport after the acquisition of foreign citizenship constitutes under the Indian Passport Act 1967.
How do I apply for a Surrender Certificate?
Matrix Solutions can assist in completing the Indian Passport Surrender application for you and will make an appointment at your nearest VFS. Our application process is easy and convenient and requires minimal documents.
We have a guaranteed pass service - should the application fail for any reason we will offer to re-do the application for free.
How long does it take to receive the Surrender Certificate?
It takes approximately 1-2 weeks with us, subject to VFS workload.
Understanding Renunciation of Indian Citizenship and Surrender of Indian Passport
India's Citizenship Act of 1955 does not recognize dual citizenship, making it illegal to hold, obtain, or travel on an Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship. This is deemed an offense under the Indian Passport Act of 1967, potentially leading to penalties.
For those of Indian origin who have obtained foreign nationality, it is a legal requirement to surrender their Indian passports to the nearest Indian Mission or Post immediately after acquiring foreign citizenship. This action is vital to avoid legal issues and ensure adherence to citizenship regulations.
Steps to Take Before Application:
Verify Your Jurisdiction: It's crucial to determine which Indian Mission or Post has jurisdiction over your area. This step ensures you apply in the correct location, streamlining your application process.
Book Appointments Accordingly: Once you've verified your jurisdiction, you must book your appointment at the designated application center. This step is essential and should align with jurisdictional guidelines.
How Matrix Solutions Can Assist:
Matrix Solutions offers comprehensive assistance throughout the process of renouncing Indian citizenship and surrendering the Indian passport. Our services include:
Jurisdiction Verification: We help you determine the correct jurisdiction for your application, saving you time and effort.
Appointment Scheduling: Our team assists in booking your appointment at the appropriate application centre, ensuring compliance with jurisdictional requirements.
Application Preparation: We provide guidance on completing your application forms accurately and gathering the necessary documentation.
Streamlined Process: Our expertise and familiarity with the process ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, reducing the likelihood of errors or delays.
Support and Guidance: Matrix Solutions offers continuous support and guidance throughout the application process, addressing any queries or concerns you may have.
By choosing Matrix Solutions, you ensure that your application for renunciation of Indian citizenship and surrender of the Indian passport is handled professionally, adhering to all legal requirements and making the process as seamless as possible.
