How to Surrender Your Indian Passport in Ras Al Khaimah

So, you've recently acquired foreign citizenship and are now wondering what to do with your old Indian passport while living in Ras Al Khaimah. It's a common situation, and it's crucial to handle it correctly and on time. This guide will walk you through the process of surrendering your Indian passport, ensuring you meet all legal requirements without unnecessary stress.

The most important thing to know upfront is that surrendering your Indian passport is a mandatory legal requirement once you obtain citizenship of another country. India does not allow dual citizenship, and failing to surrender your Indian passport can lead to penalties and issues with future OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) applications.

In the UAE, all Indian passport and consular services, including passport surrender, are handled by VFS Global, the official outsourced service provider for the Consulate General of India, Dubai and the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi.

Who Needs to Surrender Their Indian Passport?

Anyone who has acquired citizenship of a foreign country, regardless of how long they've held their Indian passport or whether they've used it after acquiring foreign citizenship, is legally required to surrender their Indian passport. This applies even if your Indian passport has expired.

What You'll Need: Essential Documents

Before you head out, gathering all the necessary documents is key to a smooth process. Here's a checklist:

• Original Indian Passport: This is the passport you need to surrender.
• Copy of Indian Passport: Make photocopies of the first two and last two pages, as well as any pages with valid visas or endorsements.
• Original Foreign Passport: Your new passport from the country whose citizenship you've acquired.
• Copy of Foreign Passport: Photocopy of the data pages.
• Original Naturalization Certificate / Citizenship Certificate: This document proves the date you acquired foreign citizenship.
• Copy of Naturalization Certificate: Make a photocopy.
• Passport Size Photographs: Usually 2 recent photographs (51x51mm, white background, matte finish, without borders). It's always a good idea to carry a couple of extras.
• Application Form: The "Miscellaneous Consular Services Application Form" or specific "Surrender Certificate Application Form" (often available on the VFS Global website).
• Proof of Address in UAE: A copy of your Emirates ID or a utility bill.
• Declaration Form: Sometimes a self-declaration is required stating you've acquired foreign citizenship and wish to surrender your Indian passport. Check the VFS Global website for the latest forms.

Practical Tip: Always carry the originals of all documents for verification, even if only copies are required for submission.

The Step-by-Step Surrender Process

While Ras Al Khaimah has VFS Global centers for some services, for Indian passport surrender, residents typically need to visit the main VFS Global Indian Consular Application Centres located in Dubai or Sharjah. It's highly recommended to check the VFS Global India UAE website for the exact designated center and the latest requirements before planning your visit.

Here's a general outline of the process:

Step 1: Visit the VFS Global Website

Go to the official VFS Global India UAE website and navigate to the "Passport Services" section, then look for "Surrender of Indian Passport." This is where you'll find the most up-to-date information, required forms, fees, and the nearest designated application center for surrender services.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

Download and accurately fill out the "Miscellaneous Consular Services Application Form" or the specific "Surrender Certificate Application Form." Ensure all details match your passport and other documents. Any discrepancies can cause delays.

Step 3: Book an Appointment (If Required)

Depending on the VFS Global center and current regulations, you might need to book an appointment online before visiting. Check the VFS Global website under the "Book an Appointment" section. Booking ahead saves significant waiting time.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Organize all the original documents and their respective photocopies as listed in the "What You'll Need" section. Place them in a folder to keep them tidy.

Step 5: Visit the VFS Global Application Centre

On your appointment day (or if walk-ins are allowed), visit the designated VFS Global Indian Consular Application Centre in Dubai or Sharjah.

• Be Punctual: Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• Dress Appropriately: You're visiting a consular service provider.
• Be Patient: Processing times can vary, especially during peak hours.

At the center, your documents will be verified. The official will guide you through the submission process.

Step 6: Pay the Fees

You will need to pay the surrender certificate fee and any applicable service charges at the VFS Global counter. The fees are usually paid in AED.

• Surrender Certificate Fee: This is the standard fee for processing the surrender.
• Penalty for Late Surrender: If you've held foreign citizenship for a while and are surrendering your Indian passport late, a penalty fee will apply. This can be substantial, so it's always best to surrender promptly.
• VFS Global Service Charge: A standard charge for their services.
• Courier/SMS Charges (Optional): You might be offered optional services like SMS updates or courier delivery of your Surrender Certificate.

Important Note on Penalty: The penalty for not surrendering your Indian passport within a stipulated timeframe (typically 90 days of acquiring foreign citizenship) is significant. This penalty is strictly enforced, so avoid delays. The exact amount can vary, so check the VFS Global website or inquire at the center.

Step 7: Receive Acknowledgement and Track Your Application

Once your application is submitted and fees are paid, you'll receive an acknowledgement receipt with a tracking number. You can use this number to track the status of your application online via the VFS Global website.

Step 8: Collect Your Surrender Certificate

Once processed, you'll be notified that your Surrender Certificate is ready for collection. This usually takes Anywhere from 3 to 10 working days, but can sometimes extend. You'll need to return to the VFS Global center with your acknowledgement receipt and identification to collect it. If you opted for courier service, it will be delivered to your address.

Fees and Charges (Approximate)

The fees can change, so always check the VFS Global website for the latest figures.

• Surrender Certificate Fee: Approximately AED 37 - AED 75.
• Penalty for Late Surrender: This can range from AED 900 to AED 1,000 or more, depending on the duration of delay.
• VFS Global Service Charge: Around AED 10 - AED 25.
• ICWF Fee (Indian Community Welfare Fund): Approximately AED 8.

These are approximate figures. The total cost, especially with penalties, can be substantial, so budget accordingly.

Practical Tips and Potential Pitfalls

• Timeliness is Key: As stressed, surrender your passport as soon as possible after acquiring foreign citizenship to avoid hefty penalties.
• Double-Check Everything: Before submission, review all forms and documents for accuracy. Errors can lead to rejection and delays.
• Keep Copies: Make photocopies of your submitted application form and the payment receipt. It's also wise to scan and save digital copies of your foreign passport, naturalization certificate, and the Surrender Certificate once you receive it.
• Lost Indian Passport: If you have lost your Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship, you will still need to apply for a Surrender Certificate. The process might involve filing a police report for the lost passport first and submitting a declaration. Check with VFS Global for specific requirements in this scenario.
• NRI Status: Remember that once you acquire foreign citizenship, you are no longer considered an Indian citizen or an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) but an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) or a foreign national.
• OCI Application: If you plan to apply for OCI status, a Surrender Certificate is a mandatory document. Without it, your OCI application will not be processed.

Common Questions Answered

Q: Do I need to surrender my Indian passport if it has already expired? A: Yes, absolutely. The requirement to surrender is based on acquiring foreign citizenship, not on the validity of your Indian passport.

Q: What if I never used my Indian passport after getting my foreign citizenship? A: It doesn't matter. The legal obligation to surrender arises the moment you become a foreign citizen.

Q: Can someone else submit the surrender application on my behalf? A: Generally, no. The applicant must be physically present for submission, especially for biometric verification (if required) and signature. Always confirm with VFS Global.

Q: How long does the Surrender Certificate remain valid? A: The Surrender Certificate is a permanent document proving you have renounced Indian citizenship. It doesn't expire.

Next Steps

Once you have your Surrender Certificate, keep it safe. It is an essential document for any future interactions with Indian authorities, especially if you plan to apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.

Surrendering your Indian passport might seem like a bureaucratic hurdle, but it's a straightforward process once you have all your documents in order and understand the steps. By following this guide and paying attention to the details, you'll complete the process efficiently and avoid any future complications.