In a new wave of simplifying all things NRI, the Ministry of External Affairs has announced a couple of new updates in the Indian passport. They’ve incorporated tech-friendly e-passports, made citizens' safety the top priority and even considered inclusivity as an important factor. Here’s a deep dive into these changes and how they can help you.
What’s New in the Indian Passport?
1. India to Roll Out E-Passports
All new passport applications and renewal requests will be delivered with an RFID embedded chip that meets the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. This chip is designed to store biometric data like digital signatures, fingerprints and facial data in a more secure manner. Given the 1.2 million flight seats per month, this move is expected to speed up immigration counters.
2. Add Spouse’s Name Without a Marriage Certificate
To accommodate the large population of those without a marriage certificate, a passport holder can add their spouse's name using what is known as Annexure J. This is basically a joint declaration that confirms a couple's marital status. All it requires is the full names, signatures, Aadhar or voter ID numbers and a joint photograph of the couple along with the residential address of the applicant. The only condition is that both spouses must be physically present at the Indian Consulate in the UAE to fill out an Annexure J and sign the joint declaration. Post this, you may submit the declaration with the passport renewal application at one of the centres. In case of any legal disputes arising from the issue of the passport, the same form will be referred to. To add to this, women can now update their last names during this process, making it much simpler to have an official document with their married name.
3. Birth Certificate Now Mandatory for Newborns
For children born on or after the 1st of October, 2023, it is mandatory to possess a birth certificate issued by the government along with the former requirements, like parents' passports. For older applicants, however, documents like PAN, voter ID and school records will suffice. If your child was born in the UAE post the above-mentioned date, the birth certificate must be issued by the UAE health authorities and attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
4. Residential Address is Now Digital
Newly issued passports will not have your address printed on the last page anymore. Instead, the address will be accessible using a QR code or barcode, only to be used by immigration and government authorities. This change has also been widely welcomed as it ensures better data safety as well as personal privacy.
5. Parents’ Names No Longer Mandatory
Topping the list of progressive changes, the Ministry has dropped the practice of printing parents' and legal guardians' names on the passport. This accommodates those coming from single-parent households, estranged families and LGBTQ+ or non-traditional family structures. No more back and forth will be required for this reason; just your details will be enough after the age of 18.
6. New Colour-Coded Passport Covers Introduced
With the idea of making identification easier, the new passports will be colour-coded. The colour scheme for ordinary citizens will remain the same. The new colours will be:
| Colour | Issued to |
| White | Government officials |
| Red | Diplomats |
| Blue | Ordinary citizens |
More Passport Centres for Easier Access
To make passport services more accessible across India, the Ministry of External Affairs plans to expand the number of Passport Seva Kendras from 442 to 600 centres by 2028–29. The Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs), launched in 2017. These centres have already served over 1.52 crore citizens, especially in rural and underserved areas. This push is expected to grow the annual base from 35 lakh to over 1 crore in the next five years.
Will NRIs in Other Countries Get These Benefits?
These updates have been welcomed given the simplification and safety they prioritise. Although at the current stage, NRIs in other countries are not eligible for these changes. However, the UAE could just be a pilot market to test the waters before rolling it out to other countries. If successful, we can hope for faster immigration globally.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an e-passport, and how does it benefit NRIs?
An e-passport is embedded with an RFID chip that stores biometric data like your fingerprint, facial recognition, and digital signature. It helps NRIs by speeding up immigration and making travel smoother and more secure.
2. Can I add my spouse’s name to my passport without a marriage certificate?
Yes. You can use Annexure J, a joint self-declaration form, sign it at the Indian Consulate in the UAE and then apply for passport renewal. Both spouses must be physically present to sign it, and no marriage certificate is required.
3. Will my address still be printed on my passport?
No. New passports will no longer display your residential address. Instead, it will be stored digitally and accessible only to immigration and government authorities through a QR or barcode.
4. Is a birth certificate mandatory for all child passport applications?
Only children born on or after October 1, 2023, need a birth certificate. In such cases, a government-issued and attested birth certificate is required along with the usual documents. For older children, existing documents like school records may still suffice.
5. Are parents’ names required on passports anymore?
Applicants no longer have to include their parents' or legal guardians' names. This will make the process more inclusive for diverse family structures.
