Passport is not proof of Indian citizenship.
Indian passport is only a document required for traveling abroad, it is not proof of being an Indian citizen. There is an uproar after this latest statement of the Government of India. What is common and what is special, every person has many questions in his mind. He is also asking her through social media. Questions are being raised that when it is not a proof of citizenship, can the Government of India issue a passport to a foreigner? What does the Passport Act say on this issue? If it is not proof of citizenship then what is the point of police check before issuing passport?
What document does any Indian citizen possess to prove that he is an Indian citizen? Let us understand this issue in the latest context.
Can a foreigner get an Indian passport?
The simple and flat answer to this question is – absolutely not. Generally, Indian passport is given only to Indian citizens. If a person is a foreign citizen then he does not get an Indian passport. To get a passport he will have to first obtain citizenship. If a foreigner later acquires Indian citizenship, then he can apply for a passport. That means first citizenship, then passport.
According to the Central Government, Aadhaar and passport are not proof of citizenship.
Can non-citizens get a travel document?
The Government of India has the right to issue special travel documents to non-citizens i.e. foreigners in certain cases. But, these are not passports nor can they have rights like passports. For example, a person may have a government issued identity certificate or emergency travel document. Such documents are for limited purposes. They are not symbols of citizenship.
What does Overseas Citizen of India mean?
Overseas Citizen of India clearly means that they are not currently Indian citizens. They cannot get an Indian passport. People who were Indians but have taken citizenship of another country can be called Overseas Citizens of India. The Government of India issues OCI cards to such people but they work only with foreign passports. Some facilities are available from OCI, but it is also not a document of citizenship.
Why is police verification done?
In case of passport, the basic purpose of police verification is to confirm identity and address. It is also the responsibility of the police to see whether the documents given in the passport application are correct or not. Passport is a security related document. If there is any security risk, criminal background or terrorism related concern, he can be caught. His passport can be stopped even before it is issued. Such information is available from the police report. With police verification, the chances of fraud are relatively less.
Passport and citizenship, what does the law say?
The Passport Act 1967 empowers the Central Government to issue passports and other travel documents. The purpose of the law is to make rules for passports and ensure security. Under this Act, the government issues passports and can cancel them if necessary. Generally passport is for Indian citizens. The Act also gives the government the option to issue travel documents in certain circumstances, but they are not considered proof of citizenship like a passport. The Citizenship Act decides who is an Indian citizen. In this, the paths of birth, descent, registration and naturalization are explained. To get a passport it is necessary to be a citizen of India. If he does not have Indian citizenship, he will not be entitled to a passport.
Are there any exceptions?
Travel documents may be granted in very rare cases by special decision of the Government. This is not a public rule. This is the prerogative of the central government. But these are considered different from the traditional Indian passport. Such documents can be issued for a limited period. On the basis of this document, neither can anyone call himself a citizen nor is this document a passport.
What to do if you need foreign and Indian passport?
If any foreigner wants an Indian passport, he will have to stay in India for a stipulated period. After that he will have to apply for citizenship. In India, the matter of citizenship is handled by the Home Ministry. Such people will have to apply as per the rules of registration. After getting citizenship, you can apply for passport. Keep in mind, the Indian government does not allow dual citizenship. In such a situation, along with taking or getting Indian citizenship, you will have to give up your original citizenship. The same thing applies to Indians also. If you have taken citizenship of any other country, then Indian citizenship will be considered terminated.
What are the common routes to citizenship?
- On the basis of birth, lineage: If a person whose parents are Indians and is born in India, then such a child can be considered an Indian citizen. However, this rule applies only when the citizenship of the parents is verified as per law.
- Based on registration: Some categories can become citizens through registration. For example, registration is available through husband, wife, if they are of Indian origin, or on special conditions. Registration is done through the local authority or the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Naturalization: If a foreigner has stayed in India for a long time and other conditions are fulfilled, he can apply for citizenship. It has parameters like duration of residence, civilization contact and language. This is a formal process.
- When a region joins India: Sometimes a foreign region joins India. In that case the residents there can get Indian citizenship. This is possible only in rare and specific circumstances.
Is any certificate issued for Indian citizens?
The government has not yet issued any separate citizenship card for the common citizens of India who were born here and live here. At present, a bouquet of documents like Indian Passport, Voter ID Card, Aadhaar, PAN can be the proof of being an Indian citizen. Actually, each of these documents is issued for some purpose or the other. Not for confirmation of citizenship. For example, Aadhar card is only proof of residence in India. Passport is a travel document. At present, certificates are issued to people who are of foreign origin and have acquired Indian citizenship. The Home Ministry issues such documents.
What is the concept of National Identity Card?
The Government of India had proposed issuing a National Identity Card during the discussion of the Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC. If the National Register of Citizens is fully implemented in the future, then the government can issue a citizenship card to every legal Indian citizen. At present, no such system is applicable for grassroots Indian citizens.
Also read: During the Mughal era, there was neither Aadhaar nor passport, then how did Indians prove citizenship?
