Media Release
Riyadh, Jul 5: The Karnataka Cultural Foundation (KCF) has urged the Central government of India to review the recent increase in passport service charges for Overseas Indians and reduce the existing fees by at least 50 per cent, stating that the current pricing places an unfair financial burden on expatriate communities, particularly migrant workers and low-income families.
In a statement issued on July 2, KCF appealed to prime minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs to introduce a fair, affordable and diaspora-friendly passport fee policy that ensures equal access to essential government services for Indians living abroad.
The organisation expressed concern over the wide disparity between passport charges in India and those levied overseas. According to KCF, a 36-page passport costs around Rs 2,500 in India, while the same service costs over Rs 13,500 for Indians applying abroad. Likewise, a 60-page passport costs approximately Rs 3,500 in India compared to nearly Rs 18,000 overseas.
Describing the difference as excessive, KCF said Overseas Indians are paying more than five times the domestic fee for the same government service despite their significant contribution to India's economy through remittances, investments, entrepreneurship and skilled labour.
The organisation stressed that a passport is not a commercial product or premium service but a fundamental identity and travel document issued by the Government of India. It said access to such an essential public service should remain affordable and inclusive regardless of where an Indian citizen resides.
KCF called on the government to immediately withdraw the recent hike in overseas passport service fees, reduce existing charges by at least 50 per cent, establish a transparent and reasonable fee structure based on fairness and accessibility, and ensure that passport services remain affordable for migrant workers and economically weaker sections abroad.
The foundation said the present fee structure does not adequately recognise the contributions and challenges faced by millions of Overseas Indians.
The Karnataka Cultural Foundation is an international socio-cultural, educational, humanitarian and community service organisation functioning under the guidance of His Eminence Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, Grand Mufti of India. With thousands of units, national committees in several countries and a large network of volunteers, the organisation has been working for the welfare and empowerment of Indian communities across the world.
KCF expressed hope that the Government of India would give favourable consideration to its appeal and take appropriate measures to safeguard the interests and dignity of Overseas Indians.