Surrendering Your Indian Passport in Bahrain: A Practical Guide

So, you've acquired foreign citizenship while holding an Indian passport in Bahrain. This guide is for you. The moment you become a citizen of another country, Indian law requires you to surrender your Indian passport. It's not just a formality; it's a legal obligation, and failing to do so can lead to penalties, especially if you plan to apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card later on. Think of this as getting clear on the rules so you can move forward smoothly.

This guide will walk you through the process of surrendering your Indian passport in Bahrain, making it as straightforward as possible.

Why Surrender Your Indian Passport?

India does not permit dual citizenship. This means that if you voluntarily acquire citizenship of another country, your Indian citizenship automatically ceases. Consequently, your Indian passport becomes invalid and must be surrendered to the nearest Indian mission or post.

Key Reasons to Surrender:

Legal Requirement: It's mandated by the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
Avoid Penalties: Failure to surrender can result in a penalty of INR 10,000 when applying for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or other consular services in the future.
OCI Eligibility: A surrender certificate is a mandatory document for OCI applications.

Who Needs to Surrender?

Anyone who previously held an Indian passport and has since acquired foreign citizenship (e.g., Bahraini, British, American, Canadian, etc.) must surrender their most recent Indian passport.

The Process: Where to Go

In Bahrain, the Indian Embassy in Bahrain has outsourced most of its passport, visa, and consular services to BLS International. Therefore, you will primarily deal with BLS International for your passport surrender application.

Prerequisites and Required Documents

Before you head out, gather these essential documents. It's crucial to have everything in order to avoid multiple trips. Ensure you have both originals and photocopies of all documents.

Original Indian Passport: The most recent one you held. This will be cancelled and returned to you along with the surrender certificate.
Photocopy of Indian Passport: All pages with personal particulars, visa pages (if any), and the last page.
Proof of Foreign Citizenship:
- Original Foreign Passport.
- Photocopy of Foreign Passport (all relevant pages showing personal data, validity, and citizenship acquisition date).
- Original Naturalization Certificate or Citizenship Certificate (if applicable).
- Photocopy of Naturalization Certificate/Citizenship Certificate.
Application Form: The Miscellaneous Consular Services Application Form (also referred to as Passport Surrender Application Form) available on the BLS International website. Fill it out completely and accurately.
Photographs: Two (2) recent passport-sized photographs (2x2 inch or 5x5 cm), white background, matte finish, without glasses. Ensure they meet Indian passport photo specifications.
Proof of Address in Bahrain: (e.g., CPR/ID card, utility bill)
BLS Appointment Confirmation: If you book an appointment online (highly recommended).
Declaration Form: Sometimes a specific declaration form stating you have acquired foreign citizenship and are surrendering your Indian passport is required. Check the BLS website for the latest forms.

Tip: Always check the BLS International Bahrain website for the most current list of required documents, as requirements can change.

Step-by-Step Guide to Surrendering Your Passport

Follow these steps carefully to navigate the surrender process:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

As listed above, ensure all originals and photocopies are ready. This is where most delays happen, so double-check everything.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

Download the Miscellaneous Consular Services Application Form from the BLS International Bahrain website. Fill it out digitally or by hand clearly and legibly. Make sure all details match your passport and foreign citizenship documents.

Step 3: Book an Appointment (Optional but Recommended)

While some centers might accept walk-ins, it's always best to book an appointment online through the BLS International Bahrain website to save time and avoid long queues.

Step 4: Visit BLS International Centre

Go to the BLS International service center in Bahrain with all your original documents, photocopies, completed form, and photographs.

Submission: Your documents will be reviewed by a BLS officer. They will verify everything and return your originals after scanning, except for your Indian passport, which will be retained.
Fees Payment: Pay the applicable fees (Surrender Certificate Fee and any penalty, if applicable) at the counter. Payment is usually accepted in Bahraini Dinars (BHD). You will receive a receipt with a tracking number.

Step 5: Processing Time

Once submitted, the application is forwarded to the Indian Embassy for processing. The processing time can vary, but generally, it takes around 5-10 working days. This can be longer if there are discrepancies or during peak times.

Step 6: Track Your Application

Use the tracking number provided on your receipt to check the status of your application on the BLS International Bahrain website.

Step 7: Collection of Surrender Certificate

Once your application status shows "Ready for Collection," you can go back to the BLS International Centre to collect your Surrender Certificate and your cancelled Indian passport. Make sure to carry your original receipt and a valid ID for collection.

Fees and Charges

The fees for surrendering an Indian passport typically include:

Surrender Certificate Fee: This is a fixed fee for issuing the certificate.
Penalty for Late Surrender (if applicable): If you are applying for an OCI card and have not surrendered your passport within a reasonable timeframe (usually three months of acquiring foreign citizenship), you might incur a penalty of INR 10,000 (or its equivalent in BHD). This penalty is often waived if you are not applying for an OCI and are simply surrendering the passport as a legal obligation, but it's best to confirm with BLS.

Important: Fees are subject to change. Always check the BLS International Bahrain website for the most up-to-date fee structure before your visit.

Common Questions and Practical Tips

What if my Indian passport is lost? If your Indian passport is lost, you'll need to file a police report in Bahrain and obtain a copy. You would then need to apply for a "Lost Passport" declaration along with your surrender application, providing the police report and an affidavit. This might involve additional steps and fees.
What if my Indian passport is expired? It doesn't matter if your Indian passport is expired; you still need to surrender the most recent one you held. The date of acquiring foreign citizenship is what triggers the surrender requirement.
Can someone else submit/collect on my behalf? Generally, passport and surrender certificate applications require the applicant's physical presence for submission due to biometric requirements and verification. Collection might be possible by a family member with an authorization letter and ID, but confirm this with BLS beforehand.
Keep Copies: Always keep photocopies of your surrendered Indian passport, the Surrender Certificate, and all application forms for your records. This is vital for any future OCI application or other consular services.
Realistic Expectations: The process is usually smooth but can take time. Be patient and polite with the staff.
Check BLS Website: Seriously, check the BLS International Bahrain website right before you go. They frequently update forms, requirements, and fees.

Final Thoughts

Surrendering your Indian passport is a necessary step when you gain foreign citizenship. While it might seem like a chore, following this guide should make the process in Bahrain manageable. By being prepared with all your documents and understanding the steps, you can ensure a smooth transition and avoid any future complications, especially if you plan to apply for an OCI card. Good luck!