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Passport surrenders in Gujarat doubles in a year; understanding the new trend
In a recent update, passport surrenders in Gujarat have seen a surprising surge, doubling within a year as reported by the Times of India. In 2022, 241 individuals gave up their passports, a number that reached 485 by 2023. The trend continued with 244 surrenders recorded by early May 2024. Most surrenders were observed among individuals between the age group of 30-45, predominantly settled in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.Parliamentary data places Gujarat third in India for citizenship renunciations from 2014 to 2022, with 22,300 individuals surrendering their citizenship. Delhi and Punjab lead the tally with 60,414 and 28,117 renunciations, respectively. The rise in passport renunciations post-Covid has been notable, reflecting changing global mobility trends.
A senior official, preferring anonymity, attributed the trend to many young Gujaratis pursuing higher education abroad and subsequently settling there. Lalit Advani, an investor visa consultant, noted a growing inclination among businessmen to relocate overseas for improved infrastructure and quality of life. Issues such as urban congestion and inadequate green spaces in Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, further drive this migration trend.
According to Ritesh Desai, a passport consultant, there are three primary visa categories—student, direct immigration, and business—which have seen increased demand since 2012, especially post-2013. Desai anticipates a significant rise in passport surrenders by 2028 as more expatriates secure foreign citizenship.
Regarding business visas, Desai highlighted challenges due to country-specific quotas. He cited examples of lengthy wait times, such as a friend's ongoing six-year wait for an EB5 visa despite a substantial investment. This, he mentioned, discourages many potential applicants who lack significant financial resources.
Under the Passports Act 1967, Indian passport holders acquiring foreign nationality must surrender their passports. Early surrenders incur no penalties, whereas delays beyond three years may result in fines ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000.
The trend of passport renunciations in Gujarat reflects broader socio-economic factors influencing global migration patterns. As individuals seek enhanced opportunities and living standards abroad, the state continues to witness a consequential rise in passport surrenders.
Gujarat’s significant rise in passport surrenders, reflects a growing trend among its residents to relocate abroad for education, career opportunities, and improved quality of life.
Source: Times Of India
