Passport News: Can an Indian Hold Two Passport, Check Details

Passport News: Indians, or at least high net worth individuals (HNIs), are moving in these uncertain times. The coronavirus pandemic has only increased the desire among high net worth individuals (HNIs) to relocate abroad or to at least have a backup plan. Many wealthy Indians are considering moving abroad. Immigration-related inquiries are now flooding in from all around India, not just the country's major cities. But the main question is, Can an Indian possess a "second passport"?

Legal Status Within a Nation

A person's legal position as a member of a nation recognised by its laws is known as citizenship. A citizen of a nation is entitled to certain rights and has obligations outlined in that nation's constitution.

In contrast, a passport is a document that is issued by the government to its citizens. The principal aim is to facilitate international travel for citizens. It functions as evidence of citizenship as well. Although not all citizens of that nation require a passport, all passport holders must be citizens of that nation.

Indian Government's Stance on Dual Passport

Indian citizens are not permitted to simultaneously hold the citizenship of another nation and of India under the terms of the Indian Constitution. Still, the Indian government has awarded Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), or "dual citizenship" as it is most widely known. When an OCI cardholder obtains a new passport after turning 20, they are only eligible for one reissuance of their OCI card. An Indian national may also apply for a second passport from another nation, but they will have to give up their Indian citizenship in order to do so. Nonetheless, after obtaining foreign citizenship, these individuals can apply for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) status.

Dual Citizenship Offer By Some Countries

• Bulgaria, Croatia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Netherlands, and South Korea have dual citizenship by descent.
• Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and Paraguayan citizens by birth
• Canada, Hungary, Norway, Iceland, Panama, Syria, Pakistan, Turkey, and Argentina are among the nations possessing dual citizenship with the US.
• Having dual citizenship with South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines
• Dual nationality: US, Spain, and Turkey
• Dual nationality in the following EU member states: Malta, Cyprus, Portugal, Poland, Denmark, France, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, and Sweden
• Other nations in which you hold dual citizenship include American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, and Antigua and Barbuda.

What is OCI?

An individual of Indian descent who has renounced their Indian citizenship is granted the legal status of OCI. It has several advantages and is comparable to permanent residency. All those who have been granted this status receive an OCI card from the Indian government.

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