Background
The concept of Dual Citizenship is not permitted under the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955. Therefore, if a person is already having an Indian passport and later applies for the passport of another country, then as per the Act 1955 it will be imperative for that person to surrender their Indian passport immediately.
Attaining citizenship of another country, and still holding onto an Indian passport or acquiring an Indian passport or travelling on an Indian passport amounts to a cognizable offence under the Indian Passport Act results in imprisonment, penalties or both. The stipulated period within which the renunciation must happen is within 3 years from the date of acquiring the foreign citizenship. After acquiring foreign citizenship, an Indian passport is of no use for travelling after three months of the date of naturalization.
However, a person is not required to carry Renunciation of Indian Citizenship Certificate at the time of their travel to India.
Process for Renunciation
After official renunciation of Indian citizenship, it is mandatory to apply for Surrender or a Renunciation certificate.
Documents that should be deposited are as follows:
- Self-attested copy of Old Indian passport
- Self-attested copy of Naturalization Certificate
- Self-attested copy of valid current passport.
Note: If the old Indian passport is not available, then an Affidavit on the lost passport is required or Certificate of residence, or an Indian Birth Certificate Domicile or any educational qualification certificate obtained from an Indian institution can be given. A police report of the lost Indian passport is essential to be submitted with the application.
It is important to keep in mind, that while applying for Renunciation of Indian Citizenship, a duly filled application form, relevant documents along with current photographs must be submitted. In case of minors, a copy of the parent’s documents is to be submitted for renunciation.
Since a child in unable to put his/her signatures or write his/her name, parents can take the responsibility of signing or put a thumb impression viz: right thumb for female for left thumb for male minor applicant.
Once the submission of the Renunciation Application Form is complete, the applicant will be issued a renunciation or surrender certificate. After this, the Indian passport will be cancelled and returned to the individual. However, if the latest Indian passport is not surrendered physically then the renunciation certificate will be issued.
Time duration for process and effects
The processing time is roughly 10 to 15 days post the date of submission of the renunciation form. However, if you lose your Indian citizenship, you will not be granted any help or support from the Indian Embassy when you are outside India. When you revisit India afterwards, the same rules will be applicable to you as they are for other citizens of your adopted country.
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