Indian Passport Renewal - Passport Status Adverse
Since the last call from HCI London representative I’ve been occupied with my personal life, job search and have been struggling to survive in recession time.
Passport renewal was always with me in the back of my mind constantly haunting me.
In my busy schedule I managed to get time to visit HCI London office on 28th April 2010, 53 days after I’ve submitted my application for Passport Re Issue.
This time I was ready for the chaos and have already imagined that I’ve to go through physical torture again.
I started early so that I could be there before 3:30 PM. Why 3:30 PM? On my receipt it was written that I had to visit HCI London office to collect my passport on 10th May 2010. So I assumed that their collection counter must be opening from 3:30 PM.
It was warm sunny day it was not so sunny but it was warm, in recent days Sun has been shining over London and officially Spring has arrived.
I reached at HCI London office around 3:10 PM, to my surprise there was no queue, only few Indians were scattered outside the building who I guessed could be the relatives.
I paced to the pearly gate and it was open too. I said WOW and was relaxed to know that there wouldn’t be any physical hardship of queuing outside Bharat Bhavan.
Inside there were 3-4 people guarding the pearly gate. All of them were North Indians, some of them were suited booted so I couldn’t guess if they were visitors like me or HCI workers or Chaparasis.
I stood there for some time waiting for anyone to pay attention as all of them were looking at the Security Camera screen trying to spot birds…
Eventually one paid attention and I showed the white receipt and said Passport Enquiry. He asked me to open my bag which I did. He looked in it and found pack of Sesame seed bars. Thinking that it might be “chatai Bomb” he took it out and examined closely. Disappointed after not finding anything suspicious he put it back and let me go.
Inside it was packed. Not as packed as it was on my first pilgrimage. People were sitting some standing, all confused, scene was as usual. I could here North Indians cracking jokes. All counters were closed.
Before I could march further, I found Gurkha standing near passport counter. He asked yes and I showed white receipt. He took it and trucked it below the stack of receipts he was holding.
“Yeh number laga diya hai, jab number ayega to call hoga” he muttered, I understood and proceeded to grab an empty seat towards the opt her side.
I had about 15 min tues to kill, so I got myself busy in playing my favourite Brick Breaker game while pumping bhangra.
Around 3:30 PM one of the passport counters opened and they started to call people one by one. I was lost in breaking bricks so I didn’t realize that counter is opened. After 5 minutes or so when I lifted my head to check the counter like Meerkat checks for enemies I found the show has started. I shifted to the vacant seats opposite Passport counter and waited for my turn.
Behind the counter there was another lady this time. I could see that the South Indian Buffalo (no offence to her appearance but all curse to her laziness) is doing some paper sorting inside.
Processing was quite fast. As names were being called people were being handed over an envelope with passport(s) in it.
On the adjacent counter, which was OCI counter, they were handing over the passports too. I didn’t know what the hell is OCI. I was trying to crack this another enigma code which I gave up after some effort. I knew PIO but what is OCI?
OCI stands for Overseas Citizen of India as I discovered later. I haven’t dug it deeper as I’m not interested in it at this point of time.
The scene at OCI counter was typical. People were standing in the queue despite having red tokens in their hands which were numbered. So all they had to do is to wait for their roll call and attend the counter but as usual Indians are Indians and donkey habits never fades away.
I was more tuned to OCI counter as it has some entertainment going on there rather than Passport counter which was dull.
One OCI (the new status symbol after NRI, PIO) girl forgot to collect one passport. She had to collect 4 she collected 3 she forgot one. Clerk called her and asked how many passport you have taken? 3 she replied. Check again, he barked. She realized some mistake and smiled, he handed over 4th one to her and she disappeared feeling foolish.
Around 4:00 my name was called. I went to the counter. Lady slipped back the receipt with something written on top and said “Adverse”
Now what the fuck is adverse I thought and not seeing my passport I felt pissed off and sick same time.
Your passport is not ready, she replied.
I asked why what is wrong? And what action I’ve to take?
She was one of the most confused Indian clerk I’ve ever met. I’ve been observing her while sitting and found that she didn’t know anything at all about the process and she was just uttering gibberish to anyone who dared to enquire further.
Same to me as well.
“Enquire with Indian Embassy at Bangalore”, she explained further.
What? What Indian Embassy? I replied back. What the fuck she is talking about, I thought, there is no fucking Indian Embassy in India.
Before she could replied I helped her to choose an answer.
Police Station? Police Commissioner Office? Passport Office? where I’ve to enquire, I asked.
Passport Office, if you have any contact check there, she replied.
I understood, clear and loud that I’m fucked.
Before quitting I enquired about File number as I’ve been doing some reasearch to find out al about this fucking Passport Renewal process and came to know that I need a file number which is not the same as Receipt number mentioned on the white Receipt.
What is the file number, I enquired.
She pointed to the receipt number and said that is file number.
I knew that it is useless to engage her more.
Thank you, I said, and dashed out of India Bhavan.
There is only one feeling you have whenever you come out of any Indian government building and that is “sickness”. That is what I felt again.
I was disturbed and I knew life is going to be hell for me again.
At this date 02-May-2010 it is 3 days short in 2 months and my passport renewal application has gone no where The only status I know is Adverse.
Felt like “trishanku” stuck in middle of no where. I’m stateless now. Without passport I belong to no land. I’ve no identity. I can’t get a new job without renewing my VISA and I can’t get VISA without renewing Passport.
Hi All,
Its been 2 months since I have had exactly the same problem, went for passport renewal, police report came adverse. No e-mails answered, phones do not work. It is mind boggling that no one cares in the embassy cares about their own people and what it is like not having a passport in a foreign country.
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Hi Rajesh,
High Commission of India can’t do anything. Problem is with RPO. Contact your RPO and ask them to send clearance to HCI London.
RPO wouldn’t do any work until and unless you bribe them. So find a way to bribe them and get the clearance.
This is the only (sic) solution to this whole fucking Indian Passport Renewal Problem.
No other method would work.
Good Luck.
[Reply]
Hi mate
My Indian passport got some passport damage and I handed it in 2 weeks back. I was told by the lady to call 0207 632 3119 in 2 weeks to find out the status of my passport. i.e. She said, ‘You will need to call to find out the date to pick up my passport’??
I am really stuck friends cos I need to travel abroad for a performance. I tried calling that number and no one picks up and its always busy. Three days in a row today.
I am frustrated. My damaged passport was issued in London by the way a good few years back.
Any tips mate?
Thanks
Jay
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Bro
You must be kidding. The smallest unit of time for fucking Indian bureaucrats is MONTH and not days, not even weeks.
During my 3 fucking painful visit to this shithole called High Commission of India I’ve met scores of people who have been making rounds of that bloody gloomy building for past 8-12 months without any luck. I feel pity for them as they are not so resourceful and probably not expert in Gooogling to find out information.
These bunch of motherfuckers sitting in HCI London humiliate their own countrymen without any remorse. Even Hitler didn’t humiliate Jews so much.
I can do nothing but to feel sympathy to those unfortunate and not to mention to myself.
Coming back to your situation.
1) Those phone numbers are not the phone numbers which anyone picks up. These numbers are given to you so that you go back home happily thinking that you will ring and some one will answer you.
These are usual tactics employed by Indian clerks everywhere. Like they say in India “Kal Ana” – come tomorrow.
Same for telephone “Phone per call karke pata kar lena”
2) You have to go in the afternoon shift – 3:30 pm+ and stand in the long queue at Counter Number 7 – the last counter in the corner furthest from entrance.
3) When you manage to meet the clerk at counter No. 7 ask him to give status of your application. Ask him to bring your file and show the status.
He might not listen to you so it is up to you how to handle him. Shout or use soft voice, smile or be grumpy.
I’ve tried both to be nice to him smile and try to get information – didn’t work
I’ve tried to be grumpy and shouted at him – didn’t work either.
Other alternative is to use RTI, which will bring you no further details, but you might feel satisfied as they will at least reply to your RTI.
Good luck…
P.S. – Speak in Hindi if you can, it might give some feeling of belonging to your own country and might melt the ice…. also those working in the embassy are bunch of illiterate arse who have been airlifted from some remote north and south Indian places to fill the vacancies as some of their relatives happened to be somewhere in this system helping out their own kith and kins…..
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I’m in the same position but from a different Country (USA and New York Consulate). Please let me know what are all the trials you are making and I’n very frustrated trying to call Passport office in hyderabad. No one knows where my case is now….
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
August 24th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
If your police status report is adverse then you will have to contact Police Commissioner office, bribe them and ask them to send clearance to passport office.
Then Bribe Passport Officers in Hyderabad and ask them to send clearance to Indian Consulate in New York.
Then visit consulate and get your passport.
Sounds so simple? Isn’t it? Try it by yourself and see how fucking easy it is to get a fucking Indian passport renewed…
[Reply]
Thank you… I know its not so simple.. trying my best and getting a police clearance certificate is such a lengthy process and I don’t have so much time to do that… the whole process sucks…. people with wrong backgrounds get everything done perfectly why should they effect civilians….
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
September 28th, 2010 at 7:50 am
That is the only way. Simple or not we have to live with it.
I know better what does it mean.
I’m stuck in this fucking system for past 7 months. Not even able to find out which fucking Police department is contacted by RPO Bangalore.
The suckers at RPO Bangalore wouldn’t tell. I’m trying all methods which is possible within the Law & Bribery to get the details but still no luck.
[Reply]
Hi,
I want suggestion regading lost passport in U.k.
Passport has lost with luggage , i got job offer, to start from 1st week of october, meanwhile passport has stolen. I need work permit , i am really stuck, because i submitted an application form for issueing new passport, but even in special circumstances Consulate office in birmingham told that it will take 6-8 weeks.
Is there any way to speed up the process of issuing new passport.
Many thanks. Awaiting for suggestion on given e.mail address.
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
September 28th, 2010 at 7:47 am
Very sad to know that. However we would like to know how your passport was stolen in a country like UK?
You can inform your employer about the lost passport and I’m sure they will understand it and wait till your passport is issued.
You can provide them the passport application receipt and also lost report if you have any.
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The people working in the indian embassy in London are useless,illiterate fools. And they behave it such a fashion that they are the sons and daughters of some prime-minister. If ever I get a chance, I want to beat them naked and piss on them. They are a nuisance to this polished country.. When I cross the road for indian embassy, I see the Australian Embassy – and it is like heaven. No fucking queues which extends upto the road. Even more misery when you see those indian buffaloes inside the counters.
I have applied for the OCI in June-2010 and still waiting for a confirmation. The fucking basic website still shown NotReceived. They can’t even spend some money to get a decent website when they charge so much money from us. Even cancelling a passport is £100. Where on earth you spend money to throw away something?? What an arse. In hindi – I call it “madarchod log lut raha hai…..”
Coming back to my OCI issue – I went to this shit-hole on 24th of June with my daughters application and with all other documents + photocopy ( 3 sets), in case those bastards ask for more. I usually take more proofs then they say on the website. So I went there at 6AM, and already found I am behind 10 people or so…Not a problem – stood until 9 before the counter opened. Got a shitty receipt which said I am no. 4 for OCI. Happy days… then there was another queue formed for all those who got the receipts…. I was supposed to get a coffee – but did not bother as might lose my queue position.
Got in finally, glad to get a seat just opposite the counter, and the windows opened at 9:30am – except the OCI…. 9:45 and no signs of the OCI counter. Probably at 9:50, one of those “useless” came and rolled on the blind, and shouted “1”, then 2, 3 and finally 4 which was me. The first thing this fucker did is threw back the application. I asked what is the problem. He took it back and which his pen, circled where is says “Photo size 51×51”. I had taken standard photos from those counters. Reason is – last year, I applied for my own application and used the same size photos for me, and the application was accepted and I got my OCI in 3 months. So I thought the same should work for my daughter. I tried to explain the same thing, but he would not listen. He tried to give some technical difficulties about problems in scanning – which I knew was pure bullshit ! In the end, I was sent back.
Now where the fuck I would get a photo of 51×51. Downloaded a software for a tenner, got a photo taken, and set it to 51×51 and took the photo to Boots for a print out. All good. Took the application back to the shit-hole again after following the usual routine. This time there was a different man – looked to be more sober. I handed him the application and he looked at it said all “OK” and asked to make payment in the next counter. The same time, I showed him my daughter’s earlier photos and asked him if those would have been accepted. He said “yes” – to my surprise…..
Now, it is almost 3+ months now, the status still shows “underprocess”. Tried to ring them but no one picks the phone.
Now I don’t know what to do …. Shall I go to the office again, but at what time ? who should I speak to ? How many times I need to be there ? etc….
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
November 27th, 2010 at 2:20 am
Don’t waste your time in visiting office any more.
Send them RTI and demand for reply read my other posts on how to send RTI and get reply within 48 hours.
If you don’t receive reply within 48 hours then complain to next in command and keep it sending RTI till some deaf hear your voice.
Visiting that ghetto is complete NO. Even don’t visit to collect your passport. Ask them to post it.
Who the fuck has time to waste £££ per day to visit that ghetto?
It is a typical habit of these brain fucked Indian officials that they fucking go down to some rubbish technical difficulties to humiliate ordinary people. I’ve seen this everywhere in India.
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I have similar experience. I submitted the application for passport ‘Re – Issue’ on 23/07/2009. They asked me to collect the passport on 27/07/09. When I made up to the passport office and eventually got to the counter, they said the passport has been referred to India for further clearance and I should contact them in two months time to find the status. I argued with them saying that when they get clearance why can not they contact me. They have my phone number, email address, residential address – but no I have to contact them. I wrote an email to them after two months to find a reply ‘Your case has been referred to the Regional passport office in Mumbai. No reply has come back yet. Please contact us next week. A reminder will be send today’. Subsequently I contacted them after a week on email – they stopped replying. The phone number they have supplied is not through any intercom that would tell us our ‘queue number’ but a direct one. Its such a nuisance to get through it. They suggested me to contact ‘Regional Passport Office’ in Mumbai. I had asked my friend to inquire, he returned with no questions answered and with loads of insults. Next my parents have been to RPO and the information was the ‘reply to London branch has been faxed on Nov 2009’.
I got back to Indian Embassy in London, they denied receiving any reply. They asked me to arrange to resend the fax again. I was very annoyed – I said them that they are in better position to retrive data/reply. The reply they gave me was that I was lucky that they are even talking to me. Anyway I asked my parents to go to RPO again, RPO said that they do not entertain anyone other than passport holders but they would resend the fax since my parents are old and they pity them. When I contacted the Indian Embassy in London, they denied receiving any information.
Up to June 2010, after 11 months of my application, my parents in India have been to local police station, central police station but in vain. I have made many calls all in vain. I have visited them personally four times ( Each time I take a leave, it cost me more then £100). Finally in June 2010 I had a meeting with one of their seniors. Of course my status was ‘adverse’. They discussed about my whereabouts in past years and then decided to issue me a passport for 1 year initally. When their inquiry would be complete, they would extend the validity of the passport to 10 years. They asked me to contact after two months.
Yesterday on 20/10/2010, after 2 and half months, I decided to get in touch with them. I knew that email would be worse so I called them. After dialling for half an hour I got through to a familiar voice. They said me’ Passport with 1 year validity is issued to persons with questionable back ground typically wrong visa. I should get a proper Visa on my 1 year validity passport and then they would extend it to 10 years.’. I explained them that I had a valid visa (I have work permit) at the time of submission of application and all the time up now. Then they said we can only issue you a passport once you submit an application. I was literally pissed off with all the arguments and it took me an effort to explain him the scenario. (First of all I doubted he understood English correctly and secondly he was reluctant to talk in Hindi). After all lengthy arguments they offered ‘contact us in 1 month’.
In the evening I have spoken to advisor who has said there are three possible options: 1) I sue them and claim for compensation. Passport is my right and all blah blah blah 2) I can write to ministry of External Affairs about this. 3) I write the Indian Embassy in London a letter (with Proof of Delivery) and tell them about everything that has happened so far and tell them this leaves me to take legal action against them.
Honestly I do not know what is the best way to come out of this.
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
November 27th, 2010 at 1:57 am
Sue who? Sue where? High Commission of India doesn’t fall under British Law.
And there is no such thing as suing in India. Just try to file a case and see how long you last in corrupt Indian courts. You will run away within just 1 week of facing Indian courts.
You can’t fight with fucking sick Indian system head on. Don’t bang the wall you are going to be hurt.
Solution for you is
1) Send RTI and ask to provide you all details of all the communication between HCI London and RPO
2) Also ask why they have refused passport renewal.
3) Also ask to explain why they think your VISA is not valid? Also ask under which passport rule they are refusing to renew your passport. VISA has nothing to do with passport.
4) Send RTI to RPO in India and demand them to reply for the communication between HCI London and RPO.
5) Read my other posts on how to file RTI in both HCI London office and RPO in India.
Take my advice and forget about legal action. Judiciary system in India is more corrupt than the 2 legs monekys walking inside its corridor.
Once you have received all details post here or launch your own blog and expose them.
[Reply]
Himanshu Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Thanks for your time and advice. I had subsequently send RTI to HCI London (this was in December), asking them whether my status of ‘adverse’ is clear or not. I also asked them to provide the details of communication between HCI London and RPO Mumbai.
There had been no reply for quite some time. I had to visit India at end of January (I had mentioned earlier that HCI London has issued me passport of one year validity), I had plans to push the matter ahead and get some more information in India. While I was in India, I contacted a passport agent who has close relations with my friend. The agent gave me a contact number of an ‘insider’ or passport officer. We had lengthy talk on my case and the officer offered me to get renewed passport in India itself. I was reluctant to do so since I was on 2 weeks break only. The officer said me that if I can trace the correspondence between HCI London and RPO Mumbai, mentioning him that date. Then he would find the security clearance request and subsequently send ‘clearance’ reply to it.
I returned to London and coincidently, the RTI reply from HCI London had come. They had written confirming that the status is still ‘adverse’, they had also enclosed the letter of communication between GPO, Mumbai and HCI London. The GPO, Mumbai mentioned that my passport was originally on ‘Target Date Over Basis’, meaning that such reports are recorded on computer systems as ‘not – recommendatory’. Thus my case may be processed after verifying that I do not attract prohibitive action under passport act. (Most of last two sentences I have directly copied from GPO, Mumbai reply letter). HCI London, had send them a copy of PP form (personal particulars form which I had filled earlier) and asked for clearance in the matter. The RPO, Mumbai had not given any reply to it.
In any case I scanned the documents and send them back to India. The passport agent then forwarded the documents to this passport officer. This time the passport office simply refused to speak on the matter and instead said that he want to meet ‘party’ personally (which was not possible since I was in London)
The passport agent then gave me contact of senior agent who would advise me what is to be done next. I called up the senior agent and mentioned about my case. He had a view that ‘adverse’ status is certainly due to police clearance needed. But police clearance would not be done until police see me personally (which certainly is ridiculous since I am in London). He also said that I am certainly entitled for passport of 1 year validity, which I should get done every time I need one (in London). He said that when I come to India next time, I should apply for passport renewal then. This would go into normal process in India and should take anywhere between 3 to 4 weeks. He had a strong view that I should not establish too many contact with passport officers and get the work done. Since if any person clears my file without convenient procedures then with all data now easily accessible through internet, I may be caught into deep trouble.
My current passport runs to end this month. I have decided to request HCI London to issue me passport with 1 year validity. I am planning to go to India in November; hopefully I get my passport renewed over there (with 10 years validity). Honestly, this decision is more out of frustration and obvious belief that this is the only solution. However at the back of my mind, I am still scared since, if for any reason I do not get my passport back in India, I would not be able to come back to this country. (I have commitments here in the company and this would mean big trouble). With ILR not too far away for me, I guess that it would be in my favour to have a proper validity passport. Any comments are welcomed.
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
June 13th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
Himanshu,
First of all get your ILR in old passport, or these fucking assholes will screw up your life. If you don’t apply for ILR now and decide to wait for passport renewal and if they delay then you are done.
Just to let you know having passport or not having passport has no impact on ILR. So simply remove this worry
from your mind that passport will give you any trouble with ILR.
As I’ve explained my ILR post – http://www.grumpyindian.com/ilr/applying-for-ilr-indefinite-leave-to-remain-in-the-uk.html
you can even apply for ILR without passport.
So take my free advice and get ILR at any cost.
If you think you can renew in India then it is perfectly fine. It is very easy to deal with Indian Clerks and so called IAS/IFS officers in India rather than in the UK. It will cost few Gandhis to oil their palms and all work will be done. and besides that you can meet them personally start from Police Office, to Police Commissioner Office to Passport Office (via Agent), keep bribing them and work will be done.
Problem with High Commission Of India is that they are bloody dumb, retard and evil of Indian bureaucracy. These dickheads have no power at all. They simple can’t communicate to their counterparts back home to get status and even if they get they will not let you know until and unless you file RTI.
[Reply]
SFA Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
@Himashu and @Grumpy Indian
How did you apply for one year passport? Is there a proper way of applying? Can you please let me know in details.
[Reply]
Himanshu Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 9:37 am
Hi SFA,
I did not make application for one-year passport. I had made an application for 10-year validity passport (yea Re issue). I kept on chasing the HCI London many times over the phone and in person as well. It was after 11 months of my applications when I (again) visited them, I was taken inside to speak to senior (I suppose he was officer in charge). I was told that there is no clearance from India and after much of fruitless discussion the officer said that they would give me passport of 1-year validity and continue the inquiry and after successful completion of inquiry the passport validity would be extended to 10 years.
There is something I have learned as I am trying to establish contacts to get my issue sorted. One of the agents in India said me that everyone is entitled for 1-year passport, if the passport inquiry takes too long. I can not say if this is a rule but in any case it does not seem that HCI London have any rules to follow.
Just to add, my one-year passport has expired and I have made an application requesting them to re issue passport with 10-year validity if their inquiry is over and if their inquiry is still pending then issue me a passport for 1-year validity. It has been already three months now; I have heard nothing from them. I had written them email but have not received any answer. I might give them a call or send RTI.
I hope above helps.
Regards,
Himanshu
[Reply]
Venkat Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 9:36 am
Hi Himanshu,
I have a similar experience. I am also struggling to get my passport renewed for last one year. Still no progress. What is your next course of action. Are you planning to go to india for passport renewal?
[Reply]
Himanshu Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Hi Venkat,
About two weeks back, I had called HCI London and after the discussion I was asked to come and see an officer. I have visited HCI London last week. The whole staff has changed eversince my passport ‘re issue’ issues have started. Although they operate is same manner but I found this staff is more responsive then the old.
To cut the long story short, I have been told that the ‘officer’ would personally write a letter to RPO Mumbai asking them to clear my adverse status on computer. And I shall contact HCI London after two weeks.
We can guess what could be the answer. But if it that means that I would have to re issue the passport in India, I would better do it over there. (The major problem in getting the passport issued in India is that it would be very difficult to get a long break sanctioned from my company also I would carry a fear that if for any reason the passport re issue takes a long time in India things would only get worse).
Regards,
Himanshu
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 11:20 pm
In my case the officer, Prem Chand, wrote 4 letters personally to RPO Bangalore. All of them were recorded in my file. He showed me the file. Some of them were replied with Adverse condition some remained unanswered. He didn’t bother to inform me for 4 months that my renewal is screwed up. When I visited Prem chand’s office I could see he had all the latest gadgets at his disposal. 2 computers with LCD monitors, broadband connection, state-of-the-art telephone equipments etc etc.
What baffles me why an IFS officer wouldn’t fucking inform us about the status? He had already tried his best shots to get status from RPO Bangalore and those donkeys wouldn’t reply so what else he could do to keep his mouth shut?
when I visited I could see that he himself was helpless in this matter. On one side I was bombarding him with RTI’s which gave him nervous breakdown and on other hand RPO Bangalore Donkey’s wouldn’t replies to his queries.
And when he really got pissed off he simply made my file disappear. “There is no information available” that was his last response.
I’m not sure if Prem Chand is still in the office or kicked out. I didn’t check the HCI website.
If there is “adverse” status on your passport renewal then HCI London can’t do anything.
End of story.
I’ve written many times that you don’t need to mess up with fucking High Commission of India staffs they are just pen pushers zombies. You can easily replace them with call centre coolies and the result will be the same, or may be better. You don’t need to employ IFS officers to do such menial work.
The main culprits are the RPO junkies. The real power lies with RPO assholes.
If you want to get your Adverse status fixed then you have to deal with RPO and no one else.
Remember above rule of thumb and stop wasting your time with HCI London.
All you need to do is to get RPO send clearance to HCI London and HCI London will be bound to renew your passport.
Now it is up to you how you deal with RPO. Use your own imagination, sources, resources, power, money, force or whatever it takes to get the clearance from RPO.
[Reply]
Venkat Reply:
December 14th, 2011 at 11:26 am
Somewhere in the forum, you had mentioned that you had filed a petition in Bangalore high court. Has the petition has been admitted in the high court? It’s been 4 months now, still no status change in my passport renewal. Totally 8 mails/fax has been sent to RPO Chennai from HCI London and haven’t received any response back from RPO Chennai.
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 10:10 am
It’s complicated, I’ve been doing only that for past few months. I spoke to my lawyer yesterday and he says it is lined up for hearing next week. The next week in India means months of time. So let’s see how it goes.
I’ll keep posted as things progress.
[Reply]
Venkat Reply:
December 14th, 2011 at 11:33 am
Hi Himanshu,
Have you got your passport renewed?. your prompt response is highly appreciated.
Regards
Venkat
[Reply]
Himanshu Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 11:26 am
Dear Venkat,
No I have not got my passport renewed and I am not hoping for any positive answer from HCI London. I have no immediate plans to go to India and hence I am not pushing them. Well pushing them would not yield a 10-year validity passport but I am hopeful they would offer me 1-year validity passport.
It’s a nightmare to think about the passport, a certain living hell.
Regards,
Himanshu
[Reply]
Venkat Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Many thanks Himanshu.
[Reply]
Hi,
I have applied for Re-issue of my damaged passport one month ago. Till now I haven’t received it and they are saying ‘It went Hyderbad for clearence and call back after 2 weeks’. I am getting the same reply for every week.
Next week, I need to go India to attend my brother wedding. Can you please suggest me is there any thing I can do.
Cheers,
Ramesh
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
November 27th, 2010 at 1:46 am
Forget about your passport. You can’t go to your own country. There is nothing I can suggest as I’m also another helpless person as you are.
I can suggest what I’ve been trying to do for my own fucking case.
Find out a tout which operates in your RPO in India and ask him to bribe corrupt RPO officers to send clearance. If nothing is wrong with you then it will work.
If something is wrong then this process might take more time. But there is only one solution to such situation. Bribe and Bribe.
Typically the bribe rate for Indian Passport Officers is anywhere between 10k-30k Indian Rupees. If case is completely fucked like mine then bribe goes in Lakhs.
Once clearance is sent from RPO office to HCI London start sending RTI to High commission of India, London office. Demand to reply within 48 hours. See my other posts on this blog on how to file RTI.
I’ve also uploaded a template to be used.
Good luck and keep posting with your progress here for the make benefit of the glorious nation of mother (fucking) India.
[Reply]
Dear Citizen,
We are sorry to hear that you were put through lot of hardship for getting the passport renewed.
We are trying to improve the service.
Best Regards
Nalin Surie – High Commissioner India
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
January 3rd, 2011 at 9:26 pm
Dear Mr. Nalin Surie,
Thanks for dropping by.
The improvement in services will remain a dream something like removing poverty from our Motherland.
Would you like to give me a simple answer?
Where is my passport?
It is almost 1 year since I applied for my passport renewal and now your highly efficient Passport Wing is completely denying of my application let alone the providing any information on my passport renewal.
[Reply]
Mohd Sakib Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 8:24 am
Mr Nalin Surie:
Sir Please can you tell me wats the correct procedure for applying passport?
B’coz I recieved a call from India House, Aldwych saying that your passport is ready and when went for collection they said that my passport is not yet ready it will take more time.
Sir, I wanna ask you a question does it make any sense for calling people and saying that your passport is ready and not giving him.
Sir we have left our country and we have faith in our country and our people that they are the only one to help us in this country, but if our embassy people will show this kind of behaviour then wats the impression?
whom should we trust?
where should we go for help?
I have applied for my passport with all the correct documents and everything correctly but still facing the problem.
You reply me sir wats the solution, wat am I suppose to do in this situation?
Regards,
sakib
[Reply]
[...] http://www.grumpyindian.com/indian-passport-renewal/indian-passport-renewal-misery-at-high-commissio... [...]
For info, it is not just this way anymore for Indian passports. The entire document frenzy even in western countries is getting so bad that it is almost better to buy supporting docs on the streets to speed up the process. Something needs to be done and it is angry citizens who say “enough bureaucracy and paper is enough!” will be the correct thing to do. Otherwise get ready to start paying bribes or manufacturing the documents that are almost impossible to get.
[Reply]
Hi Grumpy Indian,
Thanks for the blog. Indeed enlightening and rightly managing/setting expectations!
May I ask if you have received your passport now?
My husband and I have managed to (sort of) damage the passport. (It fell in a water-fall) and obviously got wet and stuff. Now the deal is, the passport and my UK visa are luckily intact and scan absolutely fine! The problem is, everytime I go to India, the Immigration guysask me to renew it. Haven’t had anyone else say anything (UK immigration or other european countries’).
The real question:
1. Would you advise on getting the passport renewed here?
2. Or am I better off going to India specially for this and getting it re-newed there?
3. Or not get it renewed and keep nodding to the immigration officer everytime they ask me to renew it?
The only reason that made me want to do it is:
I wanted to apply for a US visitor’s visa and dont want to get into passport issues when in US/returning from a holiday in the US.
Appreciate your help and advise very much.
PS: I live in London. Read n one of the posts, someone went to Huston on your advise and got their passport. Please could you enlighten me more on that as well?
Thank you.
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
June 13th, 2011 at 10:58 pm
Hi Neha,
First of all you don’t need to carry passport with you if you are in the UK. Even in other countries don’t carry passport with you, keep passport safe in the hotels. Always carry a photocopy of all pages of passport with you instead of actual passport.
It is very common to damage passport while you are carrying with you and your case is not unique, I’ve seen many such cases.
okie enough lecture ;)
If you don’t have only problem with Indian immigration people then just ignore them. Every time just say oh yes I’ve come to renew it when you enter into India and while leaving say the same that as soon as you land in the UK you will renew it.
Keep repeating this same story everytime and you will not have any worries.
These Indian clerks have some sort of always poking unnecessarily into any minute details of paper work.
And the best solution is to ignore them like you ignore beggars in Indian street.
If you read my posts in http://www.grumpyindian.com/indian-passport-renewal then you will come to know how terrifying Indian Passport Renewal is.
It is better to renew sooner or later. I would say better renew it in India rather than in the UK as High Commission Of India London will make your peaceful life into a living hell.
I’m single so I can bear it all on my own, if you have family then simple problem multiplies.
Good luck.
[Reply]
hi grumpy indian
i have to renew my indian passport as i got married last year and shifted to london because my husband is from london…now my passport will expire in september..so please suggest me where should i renew my passport in india or in london as i got confused…coz i have read ur other posts stories and they r scarey…please help me..
thank you
[Reply]
Carry on grumpyindian. one day u will win like anna hazare
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
July 24th, 2011 at 11:29 pm
I’ve no intention of being anyone. Even if I’ve to become anyone I would rather become Netaji Subash Chandra Bose rather the impotent and coward Gandhi. I believe in action and not in fucking cowardly Satyagrah.
[Reply]
Sir,
Can any one guide me on this. I applied for additional booklet to get from Indian embassy at Malaysia . Result is adverse . Can i get my passport back easily to go back to india and apply there for fresh passport. I did not go to embassy to ask for it . require suggestion before i move
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
July 29th, 2011 at 7:39 am
You can ask them to provide you one way travel document to go back to India. They might provide it. If they are same kind of suckers as their counterparts in London then you are screwed.
Good luck.
[Reply]
Hello,
I have applied for a passport renewal on 08-07-2011 by post,its 14-08-2011.I have a flight to india on 26th and paid all my money to visit India after a long time. The tickets are not refundable and now i am panicking if i have made mistakes in the application and hence it is taking so long.I have the fear that i have submitted only 2 photographs, which is not correct(website says 4).But i was asked to send 2 photographs by someone in HCI,london when i wrote to them Via email on how to apply for re-issue.
What would u do if you were in my case? please help.
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
August 13th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
Forget about flight and forget about going back to India. You have lost all the money which you paid for the flight.
Whether you have done some mistake or not, HCI London always fucks up all Indian Passport Renewals.
The only thing you can do now is to send them RTI and ask them to provide you update immediately.
Read this post on how to send RTI.
http://www.grumpyindian.com/indian-passport-renewal/ready-to-send-rti-to-pio-at-high-commission-of-india-london.html
RTI will not give you passport but at least you can get some updates, if any. In worst case they will just say no information available.
In any case there is very thin chance that you will get Indian passport by 26th.
So good luck.
[Reply]
Hi
We sent my husbands passport for renewal to hci london through post.its been more than 5 weeks and their website states 2-3 weeks.could someone kindly advice..No response regarding status from hci as usual.when can i expect to recieve the passport..I need to travel to India…feeling helpless
[Reply]
Hey people,
From the previous rants, I understand that any application to HCI, London takes quite a long time.
My only issue is ‘What happens if you have to travel abroad during the passport process time’ (i.e. the time when you dont possess a valid passport in hand). Do they give you a temporary passport of some kind or are you DOOOOMED.
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
September 3rd, 2011 at 11:16 am
They don’t give you any fucking thing. You are FUCKED buddy not DOOMED. once this passport goes inside that fucking gloomy stone building known as Bharat Bhavan, you are done for the rest of life.
Go n pray in some temple may be God will help you.
[Reply]
absolute rubbish….you are just out to malign India and Indians. I agree that the HCI has to take the necessary steps and checks to prevent frauds and sometimes this takes longer than necessary. I would like to recollect my experience a few years back. I submitted my passport + docs for same-day ILR application a few years back to UK Home Office. They told me that it won’t be possible to finish the formalities by the end of the day for some reason (even after paying the necessary high fees) and that they will send the passport by post in 2 weeks maximum. So I waited for 2 weeks, and the postman never rang the bell. Whenever I called them up, they said it’s still under processing. To cut my long story short, I came to know after 3 months and numerous personal visits that they had lost my original docs along with the passport! Further they asked me to come again for the letter next week. Finally I had a piece of paper which said that my passport and all travel documents (Work Permits etc.) have been lost by UK Home Office. I looked up the HCI web-site and got all the documents together. Yes, the notary was a hassle but you can get it done quite quickly if you don’t worry about the costs. I made my application for a fresh passport and by the end of the day had a genuine passport with 1 year validity in my hand. Without any bureaucratic red-tape. Compared to my 3 month’s frustrations with Home Office, this was a breeze. So to sum up, they do a lot of good work too, but never get the credit for it. 2% people like you have unreasonable expectations from the system and just want to malign the system for no reason. Give credit where it’s due too.
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
September 9th, 2011 at 11:11 pm
Wakeup dude.
Why the fuck you are doing in England if India was so paradise and Indians so efficient? Why don’t go back to the rat hole which is full with filthy animals known as Home Sapiens who are dirty and sick in body and mind as well.
Indians are born corrupt, accept this fact. Those who shout anti-corruption are the most corrupt. What do you think? Anna Hazare is not corrupt? It is just matter of time when someone will find out his not-so-clean past.
Read newspapers, Internet is free, read the news on the Internet, “educate” yourself. Blind patriotism is good in war but not in peace time.
Indians are not only corrupt, lazy but also fucking full with pride and they take no chances to humiliate their own people.
It is long story and if I start writing about all things bad about Indians then I’ll end up a Ramayana on this topic.
To cut it short there are good people there are bad people and there are fucking Indians who are towards the lowest of low in the good-bad chain.
Coming back to the original question of reliability and efficiency, Indians are the worst. Indians don’t work until and unless you hang a sword on their neck. British are entirely opposite, they tend to work. They might not be the most efficient but this is the best in the whole world which you can get in terms of bureaucracy. I don’t praise British for their efficiency however more or less I always find them the best in this era. I’ve dealt with many countries in a wide range of matters and trust me British are still the best. This was the reason why they once ruled the Earth. Educate yourself in history as well.
Passports are lost everywhere, it is not only Indian affair. Just browse through this blog and you will easily find who is the worst culprit when it comes to loosing passport. Indians.
Go and visit Bharat Bhavan and see the long queue, what the fuck Indians doing their standing in the queue all day long? Visit any other country’s embassy and compare. Visit Chinese embassy, or Pakistani High commission and see how many people you see standing in the queue. If fucking Indian high commission was so efficient then why there are always hundreds of people standing in the queue all day long? Who the fuck has so much time to waste in this fast paced country? Think over it.
I’m the greatest patriot ever born in India and I know what I write here. Truth is bitter and hard to swallow. Adopting ostrich like attitude will not help to hide Indian impotency.
I’ve dealt with UK home office many times in the past. I always found them very efficient. Your case was just fe bad cases which do happen. But just because your passport was lost doesn’t mean they are incompetent.
And you manage to get your new passport from the High commission of India doesn’t mean that those donkey arses are the most efficeint, You were just lucky. Passport renewal doesn’t take fucking more than a week’s of time. Read my other posts again, I’ve explained in great details what went wrong. Read other people’s comment, I’m not alone. These people who comment here are just less than 1% of Indians who face problems. Rest are not aware of the Internet. The educated Indians go to USA, very few like me come to the UK. Rest are just miserable people, illegal, farmers, businessmen, convicst, underworld, drug dealers who will never be able to rant ont their problems online.
If you are so proud of beong Indian then why don’t just give a visit to the High commission office and find out by yourself. Talk to your proud Indians there standing in queue and do some kind of research to find out why their luck is so fucked up.
[Reply]
Ankur Singh Reply:
September 10th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
Incidentally I’m due for a passport renewal and ILR stamping again in next 2 months. Will keep you guys posted how it goes! Let’s see which department is efficient this time and which one is not. (Don’t ask me why I’m going for ILR again…it’s a long story :)).
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
September 9th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
Notary is not a hassle. Just find any Notary pay them some money and they will do rest of work. I’ve done it many times and always find it smooth, it is just too expensive that’s all. Most of the notaries are Indians/Pakis themselves but they do work very well.
[Reply]
hi,
for my greatest surprise,i gave my passport for renewal on monday and got it on friday without any problems or hassles..miracle? or just being lucky i dnt kno..grumpy indian keep up the good work..and everyone else who renewing their passport, never change any details in the old passport unless its absolutely necessarry..you will get your renewed passport in no time..and that place HCI is a disgrace to India..
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
October 1st, 2011 at 11:13 am
Your stars are in your favour buddy, such things never happens.
[Reply]
Ankur Singh Reply:
October 2nd, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Sorry- you lost me somewhere…you got your passport renewed inside the best part of a week without (in your own reasoning I may add) any problems or hassles YET “that place HCI is a disgrace to India”!
[Reply]
Nithin Reply:
October 2nd, 2011 at 11:42 pm
@Ankur, after reading everyone’s problems i just said ‘without any problems and hassles’ becos compared to to what they went through, what i went through can be classed as ‘normal’..and if i ‘lost you somewhere’ and you thot that i had an easy sail or if you thot the clerks said ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ then i would say you are high..i reached there at 11:00..had to wait till 2..then they closed counter and went for lunch without sayin anythin and jus puttin the blinds down..i went out ‘had some food and came bak,waited till 3 then got called eventually…clerk was rude as usual..only needed 2 photos but i gave 4 so he ‘threw’ the other 2 bak..i didnt change a single thing from my old passport so i suppose they didnt had an excuse..got my reciept which said a date 3 days afterwards..i went 3days afterwards..queqed up for abt 3 hrs again but got it..’so that place is a disgrace’..hope this explains your question..And all my friends who go there i wish you all good luck..
[Reply]
Nice blog Grumpy Indian…really a good effort
@Nithin stars were really in your favour but what for some people who need to make changes like changing their maiden name to married name which is in one way necessary.
I have to renew my indian passport as I got married and shifted to london because my husband is from here…now my passport will expire by the end of October and after reading all the posts on this blog am reeeeeeaaalllly terrified
Not sure what form to add alongwith passport re-issue and also confused for what size of photographs are required.
Any suggestions are welcomed…
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
October 1st, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Visit an astrologer and consult a date for good “muhurut” and then apply on that day. No need to be terrified that is our destiny.
[Reply]
Nithin Reply:
October 2nd, 2011 at 12:33 am
@smiley thats a straight forward process(u will need to wait atleast 3hrs in queue like everyone else)..all you need is marriage certificate and your husband’s proof of identification which obviously will be passport..u need following documents
1.Application form for a new passport in changed name/surname;
2.4 (four) latest identical passport-size (35 mm x 45 mm) photographs with white background;
3.Current passport along with a photocopy;
4.Original marriage certificate with a photocopy;
5.Self attested photocopies of passports of your spouse should also be submitted along with the application;
6.Fee is £30 and remember ONLY CASH!
dont expect any sort of respect or expect anyone to listen what you say..make sure you have all relevant documents as they will call next person and just ignore you if you have’nt..
good luck…
[Reply]
@Grumpy indian, its really really a shit feeling when we think these assholes can do anything they want and treat people like they are scum.. Indian people’s tax money pays their salary..so they live their living because of us..and they treat us like this? make me sick when i think there is no one to hear the voices of people complaining..
[Reply]
Dear All,
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I am in similar situation. My passort lost and I am due for ILR now. I have applied for the new passport. Please advise, Should I apply for ILR before getting the new passport?
Regards
S Khan
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
October 10th, 2011 at 10:53 pm
You have to get ILR first with or without passport. Follow these steps
1) Apply for new passport immediately. Get the receipt and keep it safe.
2) Book a personal appointment 1 week before the FLR expiry date.
3) Whether you get passport or not go to the Home Office on the appointment date and get your ILR.
4) In the ILR form and in the cover letter mention that your passport is lost and you have applied for new passport at High Commission of India.
5) Show the receipt of new passport application to Home Office.
Don’t apply for ILR by Post. When you visit in person you can explain and you stand better chances of getting it. Most often than not Home Office people have a lot more common sense. If there is a rule to give ILR without passport then they will give.
Since you don’t have passport they will give you ILR on a paper called ISD.
Read my post in this http://www.grumpyindian.com/ilr/applying-for-ilr-indefinite-leave-to-remain-in-the-uk.html
By the way I’ll be interested to know how you guys loose passports?
In all my visits to High Commission of India I’ve come across many Indians who had lost passport.
[Reply]
S Khan Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Thanks,
I checked with few lawyer and home office. Everyone advised send the application by post. Home office said, send by post with covering letter and they will let us know the separate address for submitting the passport.
My ILR appointment in person were on 10 Oct 2011 and had to cancel as advised by home office over phone.
My wife lost the passport while she was coming from Indan High commission after submitting our daughter passport.
My file is clear and we got the daughter passport in same day.
Hope, all is well with my passport.
Please share your experience and guide.
Cheers
Shah
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
Fuck Lawyers. They are bunch of fucking blood sucking vampires, never listen to those dickheads.
If you have already discussed with Home Office regarding Lost passport and ILR then better do as they advised.
If I were you then no matter who said what I would still go to Home Office in person and walk out with ILR stamp on the same date rather than living in mental agony of uncertainty.
It is just one full day of pain, I had to travel to Liverpool from London to get my ILR, but this pain is worth million quid.
Any way I live it up to you to decide Royal Mail or Home Office. If you are clear with Home Office instructions on ILR application then better send it by post as they advised. Send by special delivery and keep the receipts.
Sad to know that your wife lost passport, but I’m not surprise. After visiting that miserable building – Bharat Bhavan – even most stable and sane person would go insane and loose control over body and mind and do mistakes.
Anyway no need to worry. You will get ILR irrespective of whether you have Indian passport or not. So live tension free.
My condition was much more complex and worse than your’s and I got ILR in one day.
Only in the last moments I manage to withdraw my old passport from HCI London and got ILR on old passport before it expired. I was ready to go to Home Office in person even without passport and would still have got ILR.
[Reply]
S khan Reply:
October 23rd, 2011 at 4:18 pm
Hello,
I managed to get the passports and ILR in time.
It was painfull process but thanks for your advise and help.
Cheers
[Reply]
skhan Reply:
October 14th, 2011 at 8:43 am
Hello,
Please advise if I get passport, can I apply in person- ILR.
What sort of proof I need to carry with me for in person appointment.
Cheers
SK
[Reply]
New born baby passport
Nice blog @ Grumpy Indian.
We are facing similar situations when applied for a new born baby passport at HCI, London. The parents passports were issued from Bangalore and show ADVERSE. The new born baby passport is not cleared from RPO Bangalore due that reason. Went to HCI, London couple of times: no improvements, called/emailed RPO Bangalore, HCI, London: answers/replies if at their will. No progress after 2.5 months of struggle.
Need to return India in December. VISA expires by December.
@Grumpy Indian: Do you have any suggestions except suggesting me to wait, which I am doing anyway.
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
October 11th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
High Commission of India are bunch of fucking assholes. They are powerless, incompetent dumb fucks.
Try followings
1) File RTI at both HCI London and RPO Bangalore, DEMAND them to provide you answer within 48 hours.
See this post – http://www.grumpyindian.com/useful-forms/right-to-information-act-sample-form.html
2) Make sure to ask very specific details or else these Mothefuckers at HCI London will reply – No Information Available.
3) RPO Bangalore will give you reply in details. It will take 1-2 weeks before you receive post from them in and “On Fucking Government of India services” brown envelope.
4) Once you see the details of adverse condition then take action accordingly.
5) Meanwhile find a Dalal/Broker in Bangalore who has contacts inside RPO office at the Passport Officer level. Give him some money and ask to bribe passport officer and he will send clearance to HCI London. This is the best way out of this fucking hell.
IF YOU GET ANY RELIABLE BROKER CONTACT IN BANGALORE THEN PLZ LET ME KNOW AS WELL.
I’m cut off from the rest of the world so can’t find any broker in Bangalore.
Good luck!
don’t settle for 1 year of passport but go for full 10 years of validity.
Fucking HCI London has no fucking power to deny 10 yrs validity passport. If they offer for 1 yr then refuse and DEMAND them to issue for 10 years.
[Reply]
http://rpobangalore.gov.in/frm_travel_agents.asp
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Already know that, it doesn’t help. I tried few they didn’t show interest.
[Reply]
Things have become complicated after the introduction of new PSKs. Agent have less hold on any case nowadays. You need to be very lucky to get hold of a good agent who might take your case personally and work out in your place.
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
PSK or no PSK, corrupt fucks will be always corrupt fucks. There is not such thing as being very lucky in the world’s most corrupt city – Bangalore.
All you need is to find the person who has contacts inside and get it done.
I had a a friend whose friend was in worse situation than mine, he got an agent who bribed passport officers at RPO Bangalore, got his passport renewed and flew back to USA.
Unfortunately I can’t get hold of that guy to get hold of the agent back in Bangalore.
Even I bribed RPO Bangalore officers to send the status back to HCI London. However the person who I was dealing with is dumb fuck, doesn’t speak English properly can’t understand Hindi and hence not able to communicate properly.
You have got money and got right contact then you can do anything in Bangalore.
All you need to do is to find a “right contact”.
I’ve lost contacts with all those who could be of any assistance in Bangalore or else I could have got it easily. Communicating with these brokers over phone is fucking nightmare. If I was in Bangalore I could have got it renewed easily.
So buddy if you know any person in Bangalore then ask him to meet these brokers in person and explain the situation and get things moving. If it works for you then pass me contact details and I’ll push my luck too.
I’m also on the case and see if I get any luck.
[Reply]
Let me see how it goes. Once I get hold of any, I will let you know to try your luck.
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
Dr. sahib you have fallen in the trap of an infinite dimensional system try to apply some AI and fuzzy logic to get out of it ;)
[Reply]
Hi.
I am going to apply for clearance from India for immigration to Canada.
I have downloaded forms From HCI London and will post the papers to HCI London.
Does anyone know how long usually it takes to get the clearance?
Amaresh
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
October 23rd, 2011 at 9:18 am
“clearance from India for immigration to Canada” what’s that?
[Reply]
Sorry, it seems I have missed the word ‘police’ before clearance!
It is about police clearance from India which required by Canadian immigration authorities.
[Reply]
Triveni Reply:
November 13th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
PCC from India takes anywhere from 3-4 months, if applied through an Indian Consulate abroad. All Indian nationals living abroad have to apply for an Indian PCC through the Indian consulate where they are living. It is a very lengthy process as explained by Mr Grumpy Indian here. I applied on the 6th of July 2011 and received the clearance on the 10th of November 2011.
Good luck to everyone dealing in anyway with Indian officials. You will need it
[Reply]
Amaresh Reply:
November 13th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
Thanks Triveni.
I just have applied a week ago. Our passports are with HCI London. I guess we are stuck for few months.
Did you follow up with police station in India?
[Reply]
Triveni Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 12:18 am
Unfortunately that is the problem if you are applying through the Indian consulate. Do you have an Indian passport or a foreign passport? If you have an Indian passport they do tend to keep it for the duration till the PCC is issued. I had a UK passport so they took copies and gave me the original back which was a bit of a relief. If you have an Indian passport you might get a PCC much quicker( HCI London:45 days) if you are lucky.
My case was longwinded. I took my old expired Indian passport and my current British passport with me and I went in person. The person at the counter said I had to surrender my Indian passport before I apply for PCC from India. I had to do that first and it cost me a good $300. after that they took my application for PCC. I was told it will take 4-6 weeks. After that I started to panic. I made maybe 20 calls and visited the Embassy twice with no fruit. The police officials in India finally went to my parents house in India to make enquiries on the 23rd of September. I finally got my PCC on the 9th on November. Don’t ask why so long!! Indians have only one process they follow in India and may be a bribe will help along the way if you know anyone who is willing to do the running around for you.
Good luck with yours mate. I know it is very daunting not to be certain. Hopefully yours will be faster than mine.
[Reply]
Amaresh Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 10:19 am
Thanks again.
We have British passport.
Lets see how it goes with us.
[Reply]
I am living in Australia (PR) and have applied for renewal of passport at Indian embassy. I haven’t changed any details in passport, including the address on passport (Hyderabad). Now I just want to understand how the processing of renewal is done. Does Australian embassy send the passport to Hyd or would they just get a clearance from Hyd Pass Port office.
If it is a clearance what sort of clearance, a police clearance? Would the police go to my address and check if I am personally there? Or is it like if it like if I live there or not. I live there whenever I go to India. Is that enough should I be there personally to get a positive clearance. Thanks.
[Reply]
Grumpy Indian Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:01 am
Indian Embassy in Australia will send notification to Regional Passport Office in Hyderabad asking for clearance.
RPO Hyderabad will forward the same to Police Commissioner Office who in turn will forward it to the local police station. A constable will be dispatched to your house to enquire about you.
If someone is present at the house at the time of his visit then he will pass the positive clearance back to Police Commissioner Office who in turn will forward to RPO Hyderabad who ultimately will forward to Indian Embassy in Australia.
Above is the process.
If you have any court case pending against you in any court then Police Station or Police Commissioner office will inform the same to RPO. It is up to RPO to decide what to do with such cases. In most cases these thugs always send “Adverse” status and fuck up our lives.
If no one is present at your house at the time of Police Constable’s visit then he will also send negative report and fuck up ur passport renewal.
So if you want to be safe side then make sure someone is at house all the time. Or send someone to the local police station with your passport details and file number etc. Pay bribe to everyone involved in the passport renewal in the local police station and ask them to give positive clearance as soon as enquiry comes.
Good luck.
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Pad Reply:
October 30th, 2011 at 1:46 am
Thanks for a quick reply. So I don’t need to be in India at the time of police check? Only things they check are if I live there (when I stay in India) or not and if there are any cases etc in the courts?
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Grumpy Indian Reply:
October 30th, 2011 at 11:10 am
lol! how you can live at 2 places? they will check that if that address is your residence or not. If someone living there can confirm it and bribe to constable then it is all ok.
No you don’t need to be in India.
For court case you should know it. If you don’t have any court cases then no need to worry.
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After reading thoughts on this website, I am freaking out..
A basic and a seemingly stupid emotion/ reaction!! Somebody please tell me that they don’t mess up with the Original unexpired passport and return all the original documents safe and well.
Any thoughts anybody?
Thanks in advance !!
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Grumpy Indian Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
You better freak out or expect the worst. It is almost going to be over 2 years now and I’m a Passport-less person. I can’t go anywhere, can’t go home, can’t see my family, can’t be with my sick mother, can’t handle my personal affairs.
After all this drama I sit and think what the fuck I did to go through this traumatic experience and emotional rape.
All I did was to apply for renewing my fucking Indian passport. Is that some kindda fucking sin or curse to do so?
You never know how these suckers at High Commission of India at London fuck our life. If you are lucky you get it straight and if not then just you get fucked with your life.
I’ve resources, means and ability to make noise, there are hundreds of others who don’t know what the Internet is and they have no means to expose HCI London. I’ve personally met such poor people who have been making rounds of Bharat Bhavan for years as it is some kindda fucking one of 4 “Dhams”.
So good luck buddy. Curse that you were born in a such a country which is ruled by “Italian Pimp” and raped by British leftover known as corrupt Indian Civil Services.
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Hi,
My passport is expiring in August 2012.I have a TIER 2 visa which expires on 5th April, 2012. Now I want to renew my passport before I apply for the extension of my visa in April.But reading all these stories makes me really worried, as to whether it is safe to apply for my passport renewal before I apply for my Visa extension.Or should I get my visa in April and then apply for the renewal of passport. Another query is, how it would be to get the visa extended, then travel to India and apply for passport renewal there.Kindly help me out with your suggestions. Thanks
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Grumpy Indian Reply:
November 11th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
Renewing your Indian passport before UK VISA extension is self assisted suicide.
Always renew your UK Visa first at any cost. Apply in person, walk in the morning and walk out with VISA by afternoon. Live life happily afterwards.
Then think of Indian passport renewal.
It is always better to renew it from India if you can and the reason is that there is a sick organization sitting between you and the Indian passport renewal process and that is High Commission of India which will do everything under it’s power to make your life living hell.
When you apply from India you don’t have to deal with these miserable bunch of 2 footed mammals in Bharat Bhawan.
Also if something goes wrong in India you can always handle it easily, if not by power, influence then money as last resort.
When I applied for renewal of my Indian passport I was not aware of these problems at all, not even in my worst nightmare. I’ve had decades of experience in dealing with corrupt Indians back home in India in almost all cities I’ve lived and I’ve always managed to the most trickiest issues.
However High Commission of India at London is a different ball game all together. You can’t get around with the hellish situation they create.
So learn from my miserable experience and take my advice for free.
Or else if you want to have some fun in life then marry HCI London and good luck.
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Himanshu Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Renewing your Indian passport before UK VISA extension is definitely a self assisted suicide. All the safe guidelines has been given by Grumpy Indian. In your case the passport still has got some months to go after your visa is due for renewal. Also if relevant, even if your passport expires you can still apply for renewal within 1 year after is has expired with no additional paper work.
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Good work Mr.Grumpy.. Very enlightening blog here!
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Thanks for your replies and help !!
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Dear Grumpy Indian/Himanshu,
Thanks for your replies and the detail therein. I have another query.As you know I have an Indian passport and I want to apply for a re-issue of my passport as its validity is about to expire. Now the address given in my current passport is slightly different from the address I use for correspondence.It is so because, although I had filled in my correspondence address in my application for the current passport, I was issued this passport with these minor differences in the address.Now my query is that when I apply for a re-issue, should I use the same address as given in my current passport or should I get it corrected in my new passport.I am concerned that whether it can unnecessarily delay the re-issue if I apply for the correction.Also I am apprehensive that if I don’t apply for any correction whether it can cause any problem. Your valuable suggestions are eagerly anticipated.Thanks.
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Grumpy Indian Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 12:22 am
In the passport renewal form you will mention address. If this is the same as mentioned in the passport then all is fine.
If the address mentioned in the application form is different then they will ask for an address proof. Once you provide address proof they will send enquiry to this address. This address proof should have exactly same as you wish to provide in the application form.
Don’t try to explain that this is minor difference, this doesn’t work. The people working in govt. office are bunch of brain blinds. They are like robot when it comes to read the words.
So if you have an address proof for the address which you want to mention in the application form then use this address.
Otherwise use the address which is mentioned in the passport.
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Iqbal Waris Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 9:17 am
Dear Grumpy Indian,
Thanks a lot for the big help.Can you let me know,once the passport is re-issued, if it is necessary to collect the passport on the date mentioned on the receipt.I am asking this because I don’t reside in London, and was just wondering if I could collect my passport a bit later than the date given on the receipt if it is ok to do so.However, if it is better to collect it on the same date, then I would have to change my schedule accordingly.Thanks again.
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Grumpy Indian Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 8:29 pm
You missed one question which you should ask before asking how to collect passport. And that is how do you know if your passport is renewed.
You must always collect passport in person as these incompetent chaprasis at HCI London leave no stone unturned to make sure that your life become a living hell. They will screw it up if they send by post.
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Iqbal Waris Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 6:45 pm
Dear Grumpy Indian,
Thanks for all your help so far.As you have stated in your post,do I have to call the HCI or email them to know if my passport is ready for collection.Kindly elaborate. Another query, I am on TIER 2 visa, but this visa has not been stamped on my passport as I have been issued a biometric card instead.My query is that when I apply for re-issue of my passport, do I need to furnish my biometric card along with my re-issue application.Thanks
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Grumpy Indian Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
You need to know the status somehow. Call and e-mail might not be too effective, try RTI. Keep sending RTI every month.
They might not see the VISA, but to be on safe side, carry a photo copy of biometric card and carry original too.
Never handover original biometirc card to them.
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I was about to go tomorrow to get a new passport booklet with more pages, but reading here what most have been through and knowing how the Indian system works, I have cancelled my day trip to India bhavan.
“Why fix, if its not broken” I dont desperately need the booklet so why show red rag to a Bull.
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Dear friends,
I am happy to state that I have got my passport re-issued from the high commission of India at London.I must state that I was very apprehensive before I applied.But I want to share this with you so that you may have some of your fears allayed.I applied for the re-issue with the relevant documents and did not change anything in my details, as they were given in my old passport.Followed all the instructions for filling up the application form and just submitted my application.I got my passport re-issued without any hassles.So all the best to those who are thinking of applying for similar reason and of course to everyone on this forum.Thanks
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Redjet Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 2:54 pm
Hi Iqbal,
I am planning to get my son’s passport re-issued. Could you please give details:
1. your experience at HCI London. What time did you go? What’s waiting time? What is the exact procedure etc.
2. How many days did it take to get the passport re-issued?
3. Did you go and collect the passport? Or did you ask them to send it back by post? If so, could you please give the details of the method you followed?
Any more details would be helpful. We are planning to go this week for re-issue of my minor son’s passport.
Best Wishes
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Iqbal Waris Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Hi Redjet,
1. My experience at HCI London was satisfactory.I reached there early morning about 6:30 am.There is usually a very long queue. but it runs very fast once the gates open at around 9:00 am.But if you reach early you would also get the job done early.You have to take a token from the machine and when your turn comes you just have to handover your application at the counter.Make sure that your application is complete in all respects and in the proper manner.
2. It took me a month to get my passport back, but there were no hassles.
3.I collected the passport myself after one month.I did not change any details in address etc. as they were given in my previous passport. Hope this suffices.
Best wishes.
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Grumpy Indian Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 9:04 pm
1) You wasted about 4-5 hours of time standing in queue out side of a dull building in freaking cold. And you call it satisfactory?
2) It tool a month to get passport which takes 1 week. This is satisfactory?
You must be having patience of Himalayas.
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Redjet Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 9:07 pm
Thanks Iqbal. We are going tomorrow. I will post back our experience…God bless us :)
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7:45 AM – Reached HCI
8:30 AM – Got the token (# 23)
10:00 AM – Token served. Application submitted.
Need to collect it within a week.
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Great,you have got it all right. All the best !!
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Do these guys at hci refer all renewals to rpo in India or is this only reserved to a select few elite crowd?
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Grumpy Indian Reply:
January 17th, 2012 at 8:14 pm
That is the usual procedure set by Indian Passport Rule under the Indian constitution. So yes they always have to contact RPO to renew passport.
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hey grumpy indian,
the staff are good at passport services counter.. they are answering all querries very patiently…problem with old people..they will come without any pre checks and take hell of time and waste others time also. if staff says come after 1 month..these guys will ask, exactly when? if they say feb 16th,. then morning or eve? if he says evening? what time? if he says 405 PM.again, where? here or outside? this is for one person..next person comes and ask the same questions…problem with our guys also..u can refer my experience at HCI in my previous post.. anyway thanks for your website.
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Himanshu Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 7:44 pm
Hi Krishna,
The staff have to be polite and answer all the queries. Imagine a person taking so much pain to get their turn at HCI and come back with some questions unanswered. Yes I agree some of them may be time consuming. But just imagine that your parents visit to HCI and would not they be asking some more questions!! It is a general behaviour of old people, they deserve respect.
To add, there is no time scale for the procedures. I am not blaming the staff working at HCI. But the people who are suffering will tell you how they feel. And when it is to be compared with the country which we live in for the time being, we are very very ordinary. There would have been no need for this blog, if the staff at HCI London would have been so informative and active. Thus although annoying every person has got right to ask any number of questions.
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I’ve been reading this blog with great interest coupled with a feeling of dread as I have to renew my passport urgently as I need to go back to the motherland for an important family commitment on a ver short notice. I have been trawling the internet for useful information as the consulate in Birmingham (where I’m supposed to submit my application) don’t reply to any emil or telephone enquiries. My problem is that my passport expired about six years ago, as I’m on a permanent resident’s visa, and have’nt had the opportunity or need to travel in this time, I forgot to renew it. Now I need to know exactly what I need to do to get my passport renewed/re-issued? What is the fees that applies for this procedure? I’ve sent away for a letter from the home office confirming non-aquisition of British citizenship. What other doccuments do i require to make the process as smooth and quick as possible as I need to travel by the beginning of march. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Any help would be much appreciated.
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Grumpy Indian Reply:
January 26th, 2012 at 6:18 pm
Ignorance isn’t bliss? Is it? 6 years without passport?
Any way!
Please visit CGI Birmingham website http://www.cgibirmingham.org/ and follow all the instructions for the form.
I think for already expired passport they might need some extra documents. They will also need proof of your Identity and address in the UK. I’m not sure about this but just in case.
If you have read my all posts then you might remember the case of that pity old man who didn’t had a 15 years old passport? they asked him to provide ID proof and Address proof both bearing the same name as in your expired passport.
You might also need to do some affidavits .
COA – Change of Appearance will be certainly then one you will need. Get it inside the CGI as it is free I think. If you get it outside they will suck £100 or so.
Good luck mate!
Motherland calling, time to pay tribute to forgotten “Janani Janam Bhumi” ;)
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Ankush Gargi Reply:
January 26th, 2012 at 8:54 pm
COA? That sounds a bit drastic don’t you think? I know the passport expired 5 1/2 years ago but haven’t had reconstructive surgery in the mean time! I have filled out all the required forms as per the CGI Birmingham website and am just waiting for a confirmation from the UKBA re non-acquisition of British citizenship. The website asks to provide an affidavit confirming the same thing! Apparently official confirmation from the British authorities isn’t sufficient! Will I get my old passport back as it has my ILR permit? or will I have to send the new passport to the home office to get a duplicate put on? Also what exactly is the fee? because while sifting through the heaps of info online I read on a blog that it has gone up! If that’s true, can someone enlighten me please, because I don’t trust the CGI Birmingham website to be totally up to date.
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Grumpy Indian Reply:
January 26th, 2012 at 10:49 pm
COA is for everyone, your face doesn’t looks same after 10+ yrs when u renew passport. So you also have to get that affidavit inside CGI.
When you apply for passport they will keep the Passport. So answer is no, you can’t get back your old passport. Keep photocopies of the passport with you.
Fee – if you are not sure of it then take sufficient cash in ur pocket to cover any extra fee. Carry £200-£300 in cash that will be sufficient.
Don’t trust anyone, just use common sense thinking what could be the worst case scenario.
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any indian passport lawyer or agent who will help me get my baby passport asap?
GIVE ME ADDRESS OR CONTACT NUMBER.
THANKS
NISHANT
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Grumpy Indian Reply:
January 29th, 2012 at 6:18 pm
Dial 911 and speak to God.
Address
No. 1 Luck Street
Paradise – ZZ1 1ZZ
Good luck ;)
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Dear Nishant
If you have all the documents and if your passport does not show adverse on its police verification report, then you will get it within a week of application. You also have to register your baby’s birth with the HCI, both can be done in the same day. Just remember to mention it while taking tickets for the counters. You do not need to carry your baby to the HCI.
Once registration is complete take a photo copy of the registration receipt before going to passport application counter.
Hope this helps.
In case you have problems with your passport. It may take longer time depending on case to case. In case of problems, God forbid if you need to visit the HCI make sure you meet the Passport officer (you who to force it a bit to meet him, but if you have baby they allow you to meet). If your case is genuine they will issue your baby a 5 year passport.
The rule book says baby passport can be issued even the parents have failed police verifications, and the same can be issued solely on the discretion of the passport officer. But you have to force them to take this second step.
Best of luck.
SFA
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i applied for my lost passport on 28 of dec 11 and i got back ready on 3/2/12. this was for lost passport and i submit follwing document:
1/ application form
2/passport photocopies
3/police complaint and filled form given by high commision
4/nationality affidavit form
5/ coa if change appearance
6/ all my education certificate from india
7/address proof in uk // any bill
8/ 8 photo,three should be attested
9/verification form for indian police
you can also submit ur birth certificate and indian voting card, uk driving licence.
if application is complete with all document it would take upto 6 weeks.
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