A growing number of people from Gujarat are giving up their Indian passports to settle abroad. In the last year alone, 181 individuals surrendered their passports, contributing to a total of 22,993 passport surrenders over the last decade. Despite this trend, there has been a notable decline in passport surrenders in 2024, with figures dropping approximately threefold compared to 2023.
An average of 15 passports were surrendered each month in Gujarat in 2024.
Between 2014 and 2022, Delhi recorded the highest number of passport surrenders at 60,414, followed by Punjab with 28,117, Gujarat with 22,993, Goa with 18,610, and Maharashtra with 17,171.
Nationwide, a total of 12.88 lakh Indian passports were surrendered over this period.
In the last six years, the Ahmedabad Regional Passport Office (RPO) issued around 36 lakh passports, reflecting a growing trend of studying, travelling, and settling abroad.
Under the Passport Act of 1967, individuals acquiring foreign citizenship are required to surrender their Indian passports. Failure to do so within three years of obtaining foreign citizenship can result in penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000.
In Ahmedabad, 181 passports were surrendered at the Regional Passport Office in the last year.
Regional Passport Officer Abhijit Shukla stated that after the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a rise in passport surrenders in 2023. However, in 2024, the number has decreased compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the Ahmedabad RPO issued approximately 8.12 lakh passports. Shukla also highlighted that those who surrender their passports promptly after acquiring foreign citizenship avoid any penalties.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Rain Forecast Puts KKR Vs RCB Opener At Risk
