Children born outside India to Indian citizen parents or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are eligible to apply for an Indian passport under certain conditions. The system is regulated by the Indian Government and relevant Indian Consulates or High Commissions overseas to ensure the documentation and recognition of the child's Indian citizenship.
Key Points to Remember:
1. Dual Eligibility:
- If NRI parents are citizens of a foreign nation, there is a possibility that their children can be eligible for both — the passport of the country of birth as well as an Indian passport, subject to the laws of that country and the laws of India.
2. Eligibility for Indian Passport:
- If the NRI child is born outside India, and one or both parents possess a valid Indian passport, the child can be issued an Indian passport at birth, provided proper documentation and procedures are followed.
3. Compulsory Birth Registration with Indian Consulate:
- It is mandatory to register the birth of the child with the local Indian Consulate or High Commission, stating the precise date and time of birth in order to commence the process of Indian citizenship registration.
4. Timeline for Registration:
- Parents are given a one-year period from the birth date to register the birth of the child with the Indian Consulate or High Commission. Delaying this within one year could impact the entitlement to acquire an Indian passport.
