Traveled after Naturalization before applying for Passport

[dvadithala]

Hi All,

I'm currently British Citizen and about to apply for the British Passport. I've received Citizenship on 15th August, 2014. However, I've just realized that I've traveled twice with Indian Passport. I thought it's OKAY to travel with Indian Passport until I get the British Passport and I was thinking British Passport is the ultimate citizenship instead of the ceremony (I know it sounds silly but well I didn't pay attention). Now, I realized that I've traveled twice on Indian Passport once within 3 months grace period and second time after 3 months grace period.

I understand that I should pay penalty of £145 apart from the fee for my second trip with Indian Passport... Is there anything I should be worried about whilst surrendering the Indian Passport and will it cause any problem while applying for OCI?

Any previous experiences shared will be greatly appreciated. Please can you share your experiences...

Thanks,
Me

[sagareva]

what do you mean by "received citizenship"? did you actually attend a citizenship ceremony?

and what sort of "grace period" are you talking about

[dvadithala]

Thank you for your response.

"Received citizenship" means - Attended the ceremony and got the Naturalization certificate from the council. This happened on 15th August.

"Grace Period" means - 90 days or 3 months period which is offered by Indian Govt to use the Indian Passport for trveling after foreign citizenship.

Please let me know if this is not clear. My concern is that I have traveled out in ignorance after the 3 months grace period. I'm worried that if I will have problems getting OCI for the above reason.

Any experiences or guidance would give me peace of mind. I'm struggling to sleep and can't stop thinking about it.

Thanks again.

Me

[milan69]

Maybe this link can help:
http://www.immigrationboards.com/other- ... i#p1128284

I think If your travel dates fall outside the 90 days of grace period from naturalisation then you'll need to pay penalty of £145 per travel.

[dvadithala]

Thank you. Yes, I understand that I need to pay £145. I'm more concerned if I'll have any issues while applying OCI. That's my main concern.

Please help.

[secret.simon]

I would say that this query would be best responded to in the Other Countries forum, rather than the British Citizenship forum.

As an aside, the date of the citizenship ceremony is slightly ironic, is it not?

[dvadithala]

Sorry, if I have posted in wrong group.

Very true regarding the date.

[milan69]

I missed that one about the date...good one

[dvadithala]

Please can anyone share some experiences regarding my scenario? I.e. what will be the implications of traveling after thr e 3 months grace period?

Will I lose the eligibility of applying OCI card? Is there imprisonment? I don't mind paying the fine. This issue is stressing me big time. Please help me.

[ouflak1]

Please can anyone share some experiences regarding my scenario? I.e. what will be the implications of traveling after thr e 3 months grace period?

Will I lose the eligibility of applying OCI card? Is there imprisonment? I don't mind paying the fine. This issue is stressing me big time. Please help me.

The whole no-dual-citizenship-for-Indians has turned into a profit center for India and that is all it is intended to be. Further, you will only have to pay the fine when you surrender your passport (or if you are caught trying to use the passport again at a controlled entry point in India). As long as you meet the qualifications, including providing your surrender certificate, you will be alright. If you never go back to India again, no fine to pay.

[dvadithala]

Thank you. ouflak1 - That makes sense. I'm a bit relieved to know that there's no drastic reaction for my fault! I'm hoping it's not going to big issue as long as I pay the fine.

[vinny]

See also renunciation.

[dvadithala]

Thank you Vinny.

I've called VFS and told them about my situation. They said - I need to pay the penalty and that's decided by Indian High Commission. And I was told that I'll be okay to apply OCI after surrendering the passport. A bit sigh of relief!!

[ban.s]

Passport surrender and OCI are two separate processes.

A surrender certificate will be issued once applicable fees including any penalty is paid.

For OCI you'll need to produce the surrender certificate. Whether you paid any penalty in obtaining the certiciate has no bearing on the OCI application.

[dvadithala]

Thank you all.

Hopefully this will help someone like me. I've surrendered the passport without any hassle and without any fine. About to apply for OCI and hoping that they won't charge me at OCI.

[ban.s]

Hmm..good for you and good luck with OCI.
There shouldn't be any issue as you'll need to submit only the surrender certificate.