Did you know that holding or using an Indian passport after becoming a citizen of another country can lead to penalties under Indian law?
India does not allow dual citizenship. This means that once a person becomes a citizen of another country, they are legally required to surrender their Indian passport.
This rule is strictly enforced under the Indian Passport Act of 1967, and any delay or failure to comply could result in fines.
If you’re living in Australia and have acquired foreign citizenship, it is important to understand how to surrender your Indian passport to Australia properly.
This blog highlights the documents needed, the procedure, the fees involved, and the expected timelines for surrendering an Indian passport in Australia.
It also helps clarify some common queries for Indian citizens who have recently naturalised abroad.
Understanding Indian Citizenship Laws
The Indian Citizenship Act of 1955 explicitly prohibits dual citizenship for Indian nationals.
Upon acquiring citizenship in another country, an individual automatically ceases to be an Indian citizen. What does this mean in practical terms?
It creates a legal obligation to surrender your Indian passport immediately after gaining foreign citizenship.
Continuing to hold, use, or renew an Indian passport after receiving Australian citizenship constitutes an offence under the Indian Passport Act, 1967.
Surprisingly, many overseas Indians are unaware of this requirement or delay the surrender process, unknowingly exposing themselves to potential penalties and complications.
Why Surrendering Your Indian Passport Is Mandatory?
Indian law clearly states that carrying or using an Indian passport after obtaining foreign citizenship is an offence.
This includes:
- Retaining the Indian passport
- Renewing or reissuing the Indian passport
- Travelling on the Indian passport post-naturalisation
Even if several years have passed since gaining foreign citizenship, surrender is still required.
To avoid legal issues and ensure clean records for any future dealings with Indian authorities, applicants must begin the surrender process as soon as they receive their foreign citizenship certificate.
Required Documents for Passport Surrender
To surrender an Indian passport to Australia, certain documents must be collected and submitted. These include both original documents and clear photocopies.
Here is a summary of the key documents you will need:
| Document Type | Details Required |
|---|---|
| Online Application Form | Must be completed and printed from the official Indian passport website |
| Form XXII | This form should be filled and signed by the applicant |
| Original Indian Passport | Submit for cancellation. If lost, a statutory declaration is required |
| Photograph | One recent photo, size 2 inch x 2 inch, following ICAO guidelines |
| Photocopy of Current Foreign Passport | To prove your new nationality |
| Photocopy of Foreign Citizenship Certificate | A document showing your official status as a foreign national |
| Appointment Confirmation (if submitting in person) | Not needed for postal applications |
| Signed Checklist | A completed checklist form confirming submission of the above documents |
If your Indian passport is not in your possession (due to loss), a statutory declaration must be submitted explaining the situation.
For residents in New South Wales, this must be attested by a Notary Public, not a Justice of the Peace.
The Complete Process: Surrender Indian Passport Australia
The process of surrendering your Indian passport involves several carefully structured steps.
Understanding each phase will help ensure a smooth and compliant transition.
Step 1: Documentation Preparation
Before initiating the surrender process, gather all required documents:
- Completed online application form (available at the official Indian Passport website)
- Form XXII for renunciation of Indian citizenship, fully completed and signed.
- Original Indian passport that needs to be surrendered
- One recent passport-sized photograph (2 inches × 2 inches) meeting specific requirements
- Photocopy of your current foreign (Australian) passport
- Photocopy of your Australian citizenship certificate
- Appointment confirmation letter (if submitting in person)
Step 2: Application Submission Options
You have two primary methods to submit your surrender application:
- In-Person Submission: Schedule an appointment at your nearest Indian diplomatic mission or passport service centre in Australia. During your appointment, submit all required documents and pay the applicable fees.
- Postal Submission: If you prefer not to visit in person, you can send your application by post to the appropriate passport service centre. Remember to include all required documents, payment details, and return courier fees.
Step 3: Fee Payment
The fee structure for passport surrender varies based on when you apply after acquiring foreign citizenship:
| Timeline After Foreign Citizenship | Basic Surrender Fee | Additional Penalty (if applicable) | Total Payable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within 3 years | Standard fee | None | Standard fee only |
| After 3 years | Standard fee | Penalty amount | Standard fee plus penalty |
Payment can be made through:
- Credit card (Visa or MasterCard issued in Australia)
- Money order or postal order
- Cash (only if submitting in person)
Personal cheques and company cheques are not accepted for this service.
Step 4: Processing and Collection
Once submitted, your application undergoes verification against government records.
The processing timeline typically ranges from 2-4 weeks, though this may vary based on application volume and complexity.
Upon approval, you will receive:
- A surrender certificate confirming the cancellation of your Indian passport
- Your cancelled original Indian passport (with appropriate cancellation markings)
Submission Process
There are two ways to submit your application:
- In Person – Schedule an appointment, gather all original documents and attend a designated centre.
- By Post – Package your documents securely and ensure the inclusion of a signed checklist and a completed credit card authorisation form for payment.
Timelines To Expect
Processing times can vary depending on the workload and the mode of submission.
On average:
- In-person submissions may take 7 to 15 working days.
- Postal applications may take 10 to 20 working days.
How Bharat Suvidha Helps You Surrender Your Indian Passport In 3 Easy Steps?
If you’re based in Australia and need to surrender your Indian passport in Australia, Bharat Suvidha makes the process simple, quick, and fully online. Here’s how it works in just three clear steps:
Step 1: Share Your Details
Start by signing up and providing your basic information. The team will collect everything needed to prepare your passport surrender application correctly. This means no guesswork or form-filling on your own.
Step 2: We Complete the Application
Our experienced team will prepare your OCI form, check all the required documents, and make sure everything is correct. This helps avoid delays and ensures the application meets the official requirements.
Step 3: Submission & Document Delivery
After the forms are checked and finalised, they will be sent to you for submission to the proper authorities. Once processed, your surrender certificate and cancelled passport will be delivered straight to your home.
With no appointments, no queues, and full expert support, Bharat Suvidha makes the passport surrender process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
