Passport India

The orange passport in India is a special document for certain travelers. It was introduced in 2018 for those with less than ten years of school. It’s important to know how to apply for it if you want to travel abroad.

This passport is different from the blue one most Indians have. It’s for unskilled workers going to places like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The government made it to help these workers more.

Applicants need to know the orange passport’s unique features. It’s not like the white or maroon passports. It’s for those who didn’t finish high school and need extra checks to leave the country.

Getting an Indian passport can be tricky. But knowing what you need for an orange passport makes it easier. You must prepare your documents well and follow the government’s rules.

This guide will help you get an orange passport in India. You’ll learn about who can get it and how to apply. It’s a key document for many Indians who want to travel abroad.

Understanding the Orange Passport in India

The Indian passport system has special features. It sorts travelers based on their education and jobs. Passports needing emigration checks are key to protect Indian citizens abroad.

The orange passport was for certain Indian travelers. It showed who could travel based on their education level.

What is an Orange Passport?

Before, the orange passport was for those without a 10th-grade education. It was a way to protect less-educated travelers going abroad for work.

Purpose of the Orange Passport

The orange passport had several benefits:

• It gave extra checks for at-risk travelers.
• It made sure emigration checks were done before leaving the country.
• It helped protect people from being taken advantage of.

Eligibility Criteria for the Orange Passport

To get an orange passport, you needed:

1. To have finished less than 10th grade.
2. To get emigration clearance.
3. To work in countries with strict labor laws.

Note: Now, the orange passport is part of the blue passport system. ECR status is shown in the regular passport.

Application Process for the Orange Passport

Getting an orange passport needs careful steps and knowing what’s needed. It’s a journey with important steps to follow.

Required Documents

Having the right documents is key when applying for an orange passport. You’ll need:

• Proof of educational qualification (Class 10 certificate or below)
• Valid government-issued photo ID
• Proof of address
• Birth certificate
• Recent passport-sized photographs

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

To fill out the orange passport application form, follow these steps:

1. Register on the Passport Seva portal
2. Fill out the online orange passport application form
3. Upload required digital documents
4. Pay the applicable fees
5. Schedule an appointment at the nearest passport seva kendra
6. Attend the verification interview

Fees for the Orange Passport Application

Knowing the fees is important when applying for an orange passport. The cost is between ₹3,000 to ₹4,000. This is more than regular passport fees because of extra steps.

Note: Fees can change based on your application type and how fast you need it. Tatkal (urgent) options are for quicker service.

Tracking Your Orange Passport Application

Tracking your orange passport application in India is easy. You have many ways to keep up with your application status.

Online Tracking Services

The Passport Seva portal makes tracking easy. You can check your application online.

• Visit the official Passport Seva website
• Enter application reference number
• Select tracking option
• Review current application status

Contacting Passport Offices

If online tracking is hard, call the passport office. They can give you updates on your application.

1. Locate nearest passport seva kendra
2. Call regional passport office
3. Email passport department
4. Request detailed application status

Pro tip: Always keep your application reference number handy when inquiring about your passport status.

Common Issues and Solutions

Applying for a passport can be tough. Many face problems when filling out the orange passport application form. Knowing these issues can make things easier and faster.

Delays in Processing

Orange passport features need careful attention. Delays can happen for many reasons:

• Incomplete documentation
• Incorrect information in the application
• Background verification requirements
• Additional emigration clearance checks

Rectifying Mistakes in Your Application

Errors in your application can slow things down. Here’s how to fix common mistakes:

1. Carefully review all entered information
2. Contact the passport seva kendra immediately
3. Provide correct supporting documents
4. Request a correction certificate if needed

FAQs About Orange Passport

Many have questions about the passport application process. Knowing the most common questions can make things simpler:

• What documents are essential for submission?
• How long does the typical processing take?
• What are the fees for correction or reapplication?
• How can I track my application status?

Every application is different, and patience is important. Being informed and ready can help avoid problems during your application.

Renewal and Validity of the Orange Passport

Renewing an orange passport in India has its own rules. These rules are for those who didn’t study past the 10th grade. The renewal steps are the same as the first application, with fees based on age and how many pages the passport has.

How to Renew an Orange Passport

To renew an orange passport in India, follow the same steps as the first application. You need to submit new ID documents like an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or voter card. Start the renewal at least six months before your passport expires to keep traveling without issues.

Validity Period of the Orange Passport

The orange passport in India has standard validity times. Passports for those under 15 are valid for 5 years. People between 15 and 18 get a 10-year passport, costing between ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 based on the booklet size. Adults also get a 10-year passport with the same fee.

Tips for Passport Maintenance and Safety

Keeping your orange passport safe is important. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Don’t fold or damage it. If lost or damaged, tell the local passport office right away. Having digital copies of your passport info adds extra security when traveling or renewing.