Can Indians Apply for a Second Passport?

Can Indians Apply for a Second Passport
February 23, 2024 | | Second Citizenship |

 Indians Apply for a Second Passport

A second Passport serves as an excellent tool for people who like to travel between two countries simultaneously. Furthermore, there are uncountable benefits that you can get by obtaining a second passport for Indians. The best thing about obtaining a second passport is that you can enjoy the benefits that you can obtain with the help of a second passport. 

There are uncountable countries in this world that allow their citizens to hold a second passport from another country. However, there are a few countries that do not allow their citizens to hold a second passport from a different country. Due to the same fact, there is huge confusion among Indian citizens about whether they are allowed to hold a second citizenship or not.

If you are among those who want clarification about “Can Indians apply for a second passport,” then you are required to invest some time in this article. Furthermore, we will provide you with some basic information about Second passports for Indians. After reading this article, we are sure that you will be able to understand whether you can apply for a second passport or not.

Can Indians apply for a second passport

 

What is the difference between a citizenship and a passport?

Citizenship serves as the legal status of a person who belongs to a particular country, recognized by the laws of that nation. A citizen is eligible for certain rights and has obligations as mentioned in the constitution of that country.

On the other hand, a passport is a legal document that is issued by the government of that country. The primary purpose of this document is to enable citizens to travel internationally. It additionally serves as proof of citizenship. Remember, a holder of the passport must be a citizen of that country. But not all citizens need to have a passport.

In India, the External Affairs Ministry issues the passport. It’s not a “ strong passport,” as it ranks below the global passport ranking. It lets visa-free travel to just about 60 countries, primarily in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. However, the Japanese passport that topped the index in 2021 allows visa-free travel to 191 countries. If you want to obtain a second passport from another country, then the provider of second passport services, like Flying Colour Relocation Services can help you to achieve this.

 

Can Indians get dual citizenship?

In order to get a second passport with the help of Second passport consultants, you have to obtain second citizenship. Therefore, your question must be whether you can obtain dual citizenship or not instead of whether Indians can apply for a second passport.

If you are an Indian and considering about second citizenship, then we have bad news for you because you are not allowed to obtain dual citizenship. The Indian constitution does not have a provision or statement for dual or multiple citizenship. If an Indian acquires a second passport or citizenship, then they will automatically lose their Indian citizenship.

As per the Passports Act of 1967, it is mandatory for all Indian passport holders to SURRENDER or give up their passports to the nearest Indian mission or post immediately after getting the nationality of another country. However, it is mandatory to remember that such people will become eligible for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) status after obtaining the citizenship and passport of a foreign country. 

Can Indians apply for a second passport

 

What is OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status and how does it work?

While OCI or Overseas Citizen of India is not technically a Second passport for Indians or dual citizenship, OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) serves as a legal status provided to people who have given up their citizenship. It is similar to permanent residency and provides its holder with numerous benefits.

The Government of India issues a document known as an OCI card to all humans who have given up their status of citizenship. The OCI card is one available for foreign nationals of Indian origin. 

Remember, this card will not allow you to vote in India. Furthermore, you will not be able to purchase agricultural land in the country. Moreover, you cannot run for public office or contest an election after giving up your Indian citizenship.

 

Benefits of Dual Citizenship or OCI

Indian citizens who have given up their citizenship are eligible to enjoy a number of benefits with the aid of an OCI card. The following is the list of benefits that you may get from this card:

  • You are allowed to take a visa-free entry in India.
  • You can definitely live and carry on a business in India.
  • You are eligible to Apply for Indian citizenship again after giving up foreign citizenship, subject to certain conditions.
  • You are additionally allowed to purchase property along with any other asset in this country.

Requirements to obtain  an OCI card  

Like applying for a Second Passport Application, you are additionally required to gather some documents in order to obtain OCI or Overseas Citizenship of India. Below is the list of documents that you need to collect for this card:

  • Foreign Passport
  • Cancelled Indian Passport
  • Original Receipt of payment of fees
  • Status of application
  • Persons of Indian Origin card

Depending on specific requirements, you might want to gather some other documents. We recommend you to consult Flying Colour Relocation Services because we can provide you with the exact list of documents that you need to submit for this card.

 

How can you apply for an OCI card?

Similar to applying for a Second Passport Applicationyou are required to follow a certain number of steps. Below is the list of steps that you must follow in order to apply for an OCI card:

  1. Click on the link https://ociservices.gov.in/ to apply for an OCI card. 
  2. After visiting the website, you should verify the eligibility criteria and documentation prerequisites prior to initiating the application process 
  3. Once you have verified, you need to proceed to the ‘Apply Online’ section in order to complete and submit the form.  
  4. After that, you should generate two hard copies of the application, including the ITAR number. 

How can Flying Colour Relocation Services help you?

Flying Colour Relocation provides excellent second passport services. We can provide assistance to you in getting a second passport.  Apart from a second passport, we will give you with valuable suggestions that will help you an OCI card. 

To learn more about the Can Indians apply for a second passport, book a free consultation with one of Flyingcolour team advisors, simply call +971 50 5585305 or send WhatsApp messages to +971 4 4542366. you can also drop an email to info (at) flyingcolour (dot) com.

This article was published on 23-02-2024. The information provided in the article is based on the policies and rules applicable at the time of writing it. Talk to one of our consultants for any recent updates or changes.