Detailed Guide to Surrendering an Indian Passport
1. Understanding the Requirement
Once you acquire foreign citizenship, it is mandatory to surrender your Indian passport to comply with the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955, which does not recognize dual citizenship. Retaining an Indian passport after acquiring foreign nationality is an offense under the Indian Passport Act, 1967.
2. Procedure for Surrendering Indian Passport
a. Verify Jurisdiction:
Before initiating the surrender process, you need to determine which Indian Mission or Post oversees your area. This step is essential because submitting your application to the correct jurisdiction streamlines the process.
b. Appointment Booking:
You can book an appointment through the VFS service center, which manages consular services for India abroad. Ensure that your appointment aligns with the jurisdiction you have verified.
c. Filling Out the Application:
The surrender process involves filling out specific forms provided by the Indian authorities. These may require detailed personal information, your Indian Passport details, and information about your new nationality.
d. Gathering Necessary Documents:
Documents typically required for the surrender include:
Your Indian passport.
Proof of foreign citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate.
Photocopies of the passport and naturalization certificate.
Any additional documents as specified by your local Indian Mission or Post.
e. Payment of Fees:
A fee of £45 is charged for the surrender of an Indian passport. This fee is payable at the VFS service center during your appointment. Ensure you have the correct payment method accepted by the center.
f. Submission of Application:
During your appointment, submit your completed application along with all required documents. It's advisable to keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
3. How Matrix Solutions Can Assist
Matrix Solutions offers a comprehensive service package to assist you throughout the surrender process:
Jurisdiction Verification: Helps identify the correct Indian Mission or Post for your application.
Appointment Scheduling: Facilitates online booking for surrendering the Indian passport.
Application Preparation: Provides detailed guidance on how to fill out the necessary forms and gather all requisite documentation correctly.
Streamlined Process: Ensures a smooth application process by leveraging expertise and familiarity with the required procedures.
Support and Guidance: Offers ongoing support and answers any queries during the application process.
4. Timeline for Receiving the Surrender Certificate
After submission, it typically takes about 1-2 weeks to receive the surrender certificate. This timeframe can vary depending on the workload at the VFS center and any jurisdictional differences.
5. Legal Implications of Delay
It's crucial to surrender your Indian passport promptly after acquiring foreign citizenship. Delaying this process can lead to legal issues, including fines or penalties for misuse of the Indian passport.
6. Advantages of Professional Assistance
Navigating the bureaucratic requirements can be challenging. Professional services like those offered by Matrix Solutions can alleviate the stress and potential for errors, ensuring a hassle-free process that complies with all legal requirements.
