The Karnataka Cultural Foundation (KCF) has appealed to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and the Ministry of External Affairs to immediately review the recent hike in passport service fees applicable to Overseas Indians and introduce a fair, affordable, and citizen-friendly structure.The organization expressed deep concern over the massive disparity between passport fees charged within India and those levied on Indian citizens residing abroad.
According to KCF, a 36-page passport in India costs approximately ₹2,500, whereas the same passport service abroad costs more than ₹13,500. Similarly, a 60-page passport costs around ₹3,500 in India, while the same service overseas costs approximately ₹18,000. This means Overseas Indians are paying more than five times the domestic fee for the exact same government service.
KCF emphasized that such a wide gap creates an unnecessary financial burden, particularly for ordinary expatriate workers and low-income families in regions like the GCC, who contribute heavily through labor and remittances. They reminded the government that a passport is a fundamental identity and travel document rather than a commercial product or a premium facility.Accordingly, the Karnataka Cultural Foundation (KCF) respectfully calls upon the Government of India to:
- Immediately reconsider and withdraw the recent increase in overseas passport service fees.
- Reduce the existing passport charges for Overseas Indians by at least 50%.
- Establish a transparent, reasonable, and diaspora-friendly passport fee policy based on fairness and accessibility.
- Ensure that essential government services remain affordable for all migrant workers and economically weaker sections abroad.
KCF is an international socio-cultural, educational, humanitarian, and community service organization operating under the guidance of His Eminence Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, Grand Mufti of India. The statement was officially issued by KCF International Council.
