Passport Rule: If you are considering obtaining a new Indian passport, this information is pertinent to you. The central government has implemented modifications to the passport application regulations, resulting in a more stringent documentation process.
Know the new regulations first
Applicants born on or after October 1, 2023, will now be mandated to submit a birth certificate. This certificate must be issued by the Municipal Corporation, the Registrar of Births and Deaths, or any institution recognized under the “Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.”
Residential address will no longer be printed on the last page
Furthermore, the residential address will no longer be printed on the last page of the passport. In an effort to enhance security and privacy, this information will now be encoded in the passport as a barcode, which immigration officers can scan to access the details if necessary. Additionally, the names of parents will no longer be printed on the last page, thereby improving the privacy of all passport holders, particularly benefiting individuals from single-parent or separated families.
Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs)
The government has also announced plans to increase the number of Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) from the current 442 to 600 over the next five years. This initiative aims to expedite and enhance the accessibility of passport services. To facilitate this, the Department of Posts and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for an additional five years, simplifying the passport acquisition process for citizens nationwide.