The Indian government has withdrawn its recent notification after protests from Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) regarding the compliance of old passports and other renunciation charges. The penalty charges which were levied initially for retaining the Indian passport even after obtaining the citizenship of another country for more than 3 years has been removed.

An online petition was started by the POIs against the notification brought out by the Ministry of External Affairs which prescribed that the POIs who had obtained a foreign citizenship would have to submit their old passports. Also, if they have retained the passport for more than 3 years, a penalty charge of Rs. 10,000 would be levied. As per the new order, those who claim that their passport was lost or even misplaced, they would be charged Rs. 7000.

With the protests coming in, a clarification has been issued by the government of India which says that no renunciation charges would have to be paid by the PIOs. It has been informed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to all the Indian Embassies that the new order would be implemented on those who are in the process of acquiring a new citizenship.

Another matter of issue was that the PIOs might be charged another Rs. 10,000 for mere processing of the old passport. With some amends made in place, now only those PIOs would have to pay the above amount if they intend to use their old passport for the purpose of either traveling or buying a property. This also includes acts which would be termed as being illegal as per the Indian law.

A new set of guidelines have been brought about by the overseas Indian Affairs Ministry. As per these guidelines, the PIOs who do not have any form of documentation which proves them to be of Indian origin or born in India, would now be permitted to provide evidence which are secondary in nature. This proof involves passports which are of foreign origin stating the place of birth as India. Also, other documents such as Nativity Certificate which has been provided by the District Collector of the State would also do.

Immigration is one such cup of tea which has to be literally earned. Being human, an individual always tries seeking the easiest options available. The gateway to a better future is not easy to reach but is tempting enough for an individual to seek new alternatives.

One such alternative is to marry a foreign national. There are advantages and strings attached with this option. The primary aspect here is bridging gaps and developing the idea of internationalism. Marrying a person from a different ethnic and a cultural background would definitely help making the world a smaller and a better place to live in.

Advantages to immigration by marrying a foreign citizenship –

• You are in the mood to immigrate to a new country. But you are not eligible for the same. Worry not! There is an easier way ‘Marry a foreigner!’ It cannot get better than this. The sure shot and a visa guarantee.
• With immigration made easier, you would easily have local references for you to work in the new country.
• In addition, you would not have to start from scratch. A home would be waiting for you with your spouse helping you to settle down.
• Also, family and friends spring up all of a sudden in the new country. The country which was once alien to you is now your long lost home.
• It would be easy for you to study, get a job and so on. Finances might not be an issue since you can bank on your spouse.
• You never know, it might turn out to be a Cinderella or Rags to Riches story altogether. Its all about taking risks and chances.

The list does not end here. However, similar to other aspects of living, there are cons attached as well. So, your decision should be well – thought and timed accordingly. Since, marriage is the most crucial event in an individual’s life; it has to be cherished forever.

In case, you got lucky and have married a foreigner, there are lot of mandatory requirements that needs to be fulfilled. To know more, it is best to contact an Immigration and Visa Specialist who deals with such visas. He would be able to guide you appropriately for the right procedure to be followed.

So, good luck on your marriage!