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Legal situation after BC but before UK passport
Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 12:48 pm
by cityguy0189
Situation: Born in India and having entered the UK on an Indian passport , I have recently (Jan-2014) been 'naturalised' as a British Citizen. I have the certificate of citizenship. Currently Indian passport with me and haven't applied (but soon want to apply) for UK passport.
Question: Is there a minimum timeframe one has to get full UK passport after getting British Citizenship? I know India doesn't allow dual citizenship, but can I not travel to (and live) in both India and UK based on the fact that I have ILR (indefinite leave to remain in UK) and Indian passport?
Many Thanks. I've found these forums of enormous help!
Re: Legal situation after BC but before UK passport
Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 12:50 pm
by Wanderer
You don't have ILR now, that's gone. You're a British Citizen without a passport now!
Re: Legal situation after BC but before UK passport
Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 1:05 pm
by cityguy0189
Really?! So, you are suggesting I HAVE to get a UK passport (and relinquish Indian) as soon as possible?
Thanks for your reply
Re: Legal situation after BC but before UK passport
Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 1:18 pm
by Casa
"Under the Indian law, Persons of Indian Origin who have acquired foreign Nationality are required to surrender their Indian passports to the nearest Indian Mission/Post immediately after acquisition of foreign citizenship."
http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/surenderind_pass.html
Re: Legal situation after BC but before UK passport
Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 1:28 pm
by Wanderer
cityguy0189 wrote:Really?! So, you are suggesting I HAVE to get a UK passport (and relinquish Indian) as soon as possible?
Thanks for your reply
You have to give up your Indian citizenship immediately but you don't have to get a British passport. Obviously you do if you want to travel though....
Re: Legal situation after BC but before UK passport
Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 2:19 pm
by ouflak1
Wanderer wrote:cityguy0189 wrote:Really?! So, you are suggesting I HAVE to get a UK passport (and relinquish Indian) as soon as possible?
Thanks for your reply
You have to give up your Indian citizenship immediately but you don't have to get a British passport. Obviously you do if you want to travel though....
Well sort of. You lost your Indian citizenship the instant you became naturalized as a UK citizen. You should surrender your Indian passport immediately though you are given a 90 grace period to still use it for travel if necessary. That is really contingent on whether you ever plan on traveling to India ever again however. If not, you can just toss it. As others have stated, you don't have to
ever get a UK passport. You could live the entire rest of your life without one if you so choose. But if you want to travel outside of the UK, then you will need one.
Re: Legal situation after BC but before UK passport
Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 2:48 pm
by badratio
Passport is nothing more than a travel document.