Indian Passport Is a Travel Document, not a Citizenship Document, Says MEA on Passport Seva Divas

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday clarified that the Indian passport is a travel document and not a citizenship document, emphasizing that its primary purpose is to facilitate international travel and transit through foreign countries. The clarification was made by senior MEA officials during the 14th Passport Seva Divas celebrations held on June 24.

The statement comes amid ongoing discussions regarding citizenship documentation and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being conducted in several states. MEA officials also highlighted India’s expanding passport network, international mobility initiatives, and improvements in passport services.

Passport Is a Travel Document, Says MEA

Responding to a question regarding whether an Indian passport could be used to challenge exclusion from voter lists during the ongoing SIR exercise in sixteen states, a senior MEA official said that a passport should not be treated as proof of citizenship.

“Passport is a travel document, not a document of citizenship and theoretically speaking that distinguishes passport from other documents. Even though while travelling abroad, passport attests to your nationality, yet it is not a document of your citizenship,” the official said.

The official explained that the purpose of an Indian passport is to assist Indian citizens in travelling through foreign ports and territories and should not be compared with documents used to establish citizenship rights.

Passport Issued After Extensive Verification

Another MEA official said that passports are issued only after detailed verification procedures.

The official stated that the passport issuing process involves extensive due diligence and verification through documents issued by various government agencies, including Aadhaar and PAN cards.

“We make sure that the person who gets it is actually entitled,” the official said.

Human Resource Mobility Forum Scheduled for June 30-July 1

The Ministry of External Affairs announced that it will organize the Human Resource Mobility Forum in New Delhi from June 30 to July 1.

The event will focus on enhancing international mobility opportunities for Indians in countries such as:

• Italy
• Germany
• Japan
• Russia
• Denmark

A large number of recruitment agencies from across India are expected to participate.

Focus on Ethical Migration and Employment Opportunities

MEA officials said the forum will promote ethical migration practices and create awareness about avoiding fraudulent recruitment agents who use illegal methods to send Indians to conflict zones and high-risk areas.

An official said there is a need to dispel misconceptions regarding illegal migration routes.

“We have to demolish the myths that one can go to Italy or Greece using unfair means and then send home lots of money,” the official said.

The Ministry also indicated that it will intensify mobility engagements with western nations and Japan in the coming months to create secure employment opportunities for Indian citizens.

27 Visa-Free Destinations for Indian Passport Holders

During the Passport Seva Divas event, officials highlighted the growing global acceptance of Indian passports.

According to the MEA:

• 27 countries provide visa-free entry to Indian passport holders.
• 47 countries offer visa-on-arrival facilities.
• 66 countries provide electronic visas (e-visas).

Around 10% of Indian Passport Holders Have E-Passports

Officials revealed that approximately 10% of Indian passport holders currently possess chip-enabled e-passports.

The Ministry said the rollout of e-passports is helping improve travel convenience and document security.

Passport Network Expands to 545 Passport Seva Kendras

The MEA said there are currently 545 Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) operating across India.

Officials noted that the passport service network now covers nearly every Lok Sabha constituency.

The expansion marks a significant increase from 77 passport service centres that existed a decade ago.

1.39 Crore Passports Issued in 2025

The Ministry released data highlighting improvements in passport service delivery.

According to officials:

• 1.5 crore passport and related services were delivered in 2025.
• 1.39 crore passports were issued during the year.
• Average passport delivery time has been reduced to six working days, excluding police verification.
• Citizens spend less than 45 minutes on average at Passport Seva Kendras.

Officials attributed the improvements to the expansion of passport infrastructure and digitization of services.

Support Centres for Women in Indian Diaspora

The MEA also stated that one-stop support centres for distressed women in the Indian diaspora have been established in Gulf countries and Singapore with support from the Indian community.

More such centres are expected to be established in other countries to assist Indian women facing domestic violence or other forms of distress.

Jaishankar Reaffirms Commitment to Better Passport Services

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the Ministry remains committed to making passport services faster, more transparent, and more accessible.

“Team MEA reaffirms its commitment to keep making passport services delivery faster, more transparent and accessible,” he said during Passport Seva Divas.

He added that chip-enabled e-passports and the opening of new Passport Seva Kendras have improved ease of travel and helped Indians access global employment opportunities.

The Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that the Indian passport is a travel document and not a citizenship document, even though it confirms nationality while travelling abroad. The clarification was made during the 14th Passport Seva Divas on June 24. At the same event, the MEA highlighted major achievements including 545 Passport Seva Kendras, 1.39 crore passports issued in 2025, availability of 27 visa-free destinations, and plans to expand international mobility opportunities through the Human Resource Mobility Forum scheduled in New Delhi from June 30 to July 1.

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