In response to inquiries about the function of passports in citizenship verification, a MEA representative explained that passports are meant to facilitate international travel rather than to act as evidence of citizenship.
“A passport is a travel document, not a citizenship document, and theoretically, this distinction sets it apart from other types of documents. While travelling abroad, a passport does affirm your nationality, it is not a certificate of citizenship,” stated a senior official to The Hindu.
This clarity followed a question regarding whether an Indian passport could be utilized to contest removals from electoral rolls during the current Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise occurring in various states.
Another senior official from the ministry stressed that the passport issuance process requires comprehensive verification before an applicant receives the document.
It is granted “after thorough due diligence, ensuring that the individual is genuinely entitled, and we base our assessments on documents from various government agencies like Aadhaar and PAN Card,” the official was reported as stating by The Hindu.
This move follows recent remarks made by the Supreme Court during hearings concerning the SIR of electoral rolls, noting that Aadhaar acts as proof of identity but is not conclusive proof of citizenship.
The MEA underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to modernizing passport services and enhancing accessibility nationwide. Officials indicated that nearly 10% of Indian passport holders now have the new chip-enabled e-passport.
These passports meet international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), thereby augmenting security, minimizing fraud, and enhancing acceptance at immigration checkpoints worldwide.
The ministry also pointed out the significant growth in passport services across the nation. India now boasts a network of 545 Passport Seva Kendras, ensuring greater access to passport-related services for applicants. Officials mentioned that the network has expanded to encompass nearly every Lok Sabha constituency, making passport facilities more reachable for citizens.
Additionally, passport-related services have seen considerable improvements in efficiency in recent years. Officials noted that processing can now be completed in as swiftly as five to six working days in many instances, excluding police verification, and that applicants usually spend less than 45 minutes at service centers.
Travel options for Indian passport holders have notably improved in recent times. During the 14th Passport Seva Divas on June 24, officials announced that 27 countries now allow visa-free entry for Indian citizens. Furthermore, 47 nations offer visa-on-arrival services, while 66 countries provide e-visa options for Indian travelers.
