Passport Is Not Proof Of Citizenship: Passport is not proof of citizenship, it is just a travel document, Ministry of External Affairs clarified

New Delhi. Many people consider passport as proof of citizenship, but now the Central Government has made it clear that it is just a travel document. Having a passport is not proof of citizenship. On the occasion of 14th Passport Seva Day, many information related to passport has been given by the Union Ministry of External Affairs. It has been told by the Ministry that 10 new Post Office Passport Seva Centers were opened last year and 10 new centers will be opened this year also. There are now a total of 545 passport centers across the country, whereas 10 years ago there were only 77 passport centres.

It has been told by the Ministry that the process of making passport takes only six working days excluding police verification. Passport Seva Kendra and Post Office Passport Seva Kendra takes less than 45 minutes. Apart from this, there is visa-free entry facility for Indians in 27 countries. This number was 16 in the year 2019. There are 47 countries where Indian passport holders get the facility of ‘Visa on Arrival’. Whereas 66 countries give electronic visas to Indians. For this, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh has appreciated all the passport officers working in our missions and posts in India and abroad.

He pointed out that in the last few years, India’s passport services have undergone tremendous changes. From the introduction of e-passport and Passport Seva Program 2.0 to the growing network of Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs), there has been significant progress in making services more convenient, efficient and secure. Behind every passport issued is the hard work of countless officials who work diligently to help Indian citizens find new opportunities, connect with loved ones and represent our country around the world. The Union Minister reiterated his commitment to provide passport service that is transparent, technology-based and meets the expectations of every Indian citizen.