Navigating the Process of Surrendering Your Indian Passport and Renouncing Indian Citizenship

If you have acquired foreign citizenship, you have the option to apply for an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card. This card allows you to travel to India without the need for a visa, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice. The OCI card is valid for 10 years, making it a worthwhile investment compared to repeatedly applying for a visa, which can cost around £150-£170 each time.

The Surrender Certificate and Renunciation of Indian Citizenship

Before you can apply for an OCI card, you must first complete two important steps: obtaining a Surrender Certificate and renouncing your Indian citizenship. These processes are necessary for individuals who have acquired foreign citizenship after June 1, 2010.

Applying for the Surrender Certificate

The first step is to apply for the Surrender Certificate, which you can do through the PassportSeva website of the Indian Embassy and Consulate. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the PassportSeva website and select the region (e.g., Europe) and the specific embassy or consulate (e.g., UK).
2. If you haven't already, register on the website by providing your personal details, such as name, surname, date of birth, email address, login ID, and password.
3. Once logged in, navigate to the "Apply for Surrender of Indian Passport" section and fill out the required information, including your passport details.
4. After completing the application, you will receive a confirmation that your Surrender Certificate application has been filed.

Renouncing Indian Citizenship

The next step is to renounce your Indian citizenship. You can find the link to the "Renunciation of Indian Citizenship Section 8" at the bottom of the Surrender Certificate application page. Follow these steps:

1. Click on the "Renunciation of Indian Citizenship Section 8" link to access the application form.
2. Fill out the required information, such as your personal details and the reason for renouncing your Indian citizenship.
3. Submit the completed application form, along with the necessary documents and fees.

Submitting the OCI Application

Once you have obtained the Surrender Certificate and completed the renunciation process, you can proceed to apply for the OCI card. The application fee for the OCI card is £218 per applicant.

To apply for the OCI card, you can use the official website provided by the Indian government. Follow the instructions on the website to fill out the application form, upload the required documents, and make the payment.

Booking an Appointment with VFS

After submitting the OCI application, you will need to book an appointment with VFS (Visa Facilitation Services) to complete the process. You can do this through the VFS appointment booking website.

During the VFS appointment, you will need to provide the required documents, including your passport, photographs, and any other supporting documents. The VFS representative will then process your application and issue your OCI card.

Conclusion

Surrendering your Indian passport and renouncing your Indian citizenship can be a complex process, but with the right information and guidance, you can navigate it successfully. By obtaining an OCI card, you can enjoy the benefits of hassle-free travel to India, while maintaining your new foreign citizenship. Remember to follow the steps outlined in this blog post and refer to the official websites for the most up-to-date information and requirements.