From the daily archives: Monday, June 7, 2010

Ex-Indian Citizens – Important Information

by Dhenu on June 7, 2010 · 5 Comments · in Announcement, News Events

This is important information for anyone who was once an Indian citizen but now has naturalized or obtained other country’s citizenship. On June 1, 2010, the US government issued a new law requiring everyone to obtain a “Surrender Certificate” canceling their Indian passports (even expired ones) if there is no CANCELLATION stamp on your Indian passport.

Please read: http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/jun/02/citizenship-rules-changes-relief-to-indian-community.htm

For anyone who has obtained US Citizenship on or before May 31, 2010, you only have to pay $20 fee. All those who obtain foreign citizenship after June 1, 2010, your fee for obtaining Surrender certificate will be $175.00.

Travel will NOT be impacted. Anyone who already has an OCI card will not need to present a Surrender certificate at the consulate in order to travel to or from India. However, it seems like in the future, penalties will be issued for those who fail to obtain these Surrender certificates.

Everyone, please check your Indian passports to see if it was ever officially canceled.