Makkah: In a statement reflecting deep anxiety over a matter of profound national significance, the Saudi KMCC National Committee has voiced its strong opposition to the recent stand taken by India’s Ministry of External Affairs that an Indian passport is merely a travel document and cannot, by itself, be regarded as conclusive proof of citizenship. Describing the position as both perplexing and deeply disquieting, the organisation urged the Government of India to immediately revisit and withdraw the policy, warning that it could undermine the confidence and security of millions of Indian citizens, particularly those residing abroad.
Expressing deep concern, Saudi KMCC leaders told a press conference in Makkah that the Ministry’s stand has created widespread confusion and anxiety among Indians at home and millions of NRIs worldwide. They said the issue was also brought to the attention of Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal during his recent Umrah visit to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the seriousness of expatriates’ concerns.
The leaders emphasised that an Indian passport is issued only after rigorous verification by multiple government and law-enforcement agencies, with an applicant’s identity, nationality, and legal status thoroughly scrutinised. They said the Ministry’s recent stand is therefore both contradictory and deeply concerning.
It is both fallacious and contradictory—and deeply disturbing—that a passport issued by the Government after rigorous verification is now considered insufficient to establish the very citizenship it certifies,” the leaders remarked. Saudi KMCC also strongly opposed the proposed hike in passport application fees, urging the Government to withdraw the decision. The organisation said the increase would impose an unnecessary financial burden on ordinary expatriates and economically
The National Committee submitted a pellucid memorandum to Dr. S. Jaishankar, Rahul Gandhi, and Muslim League Members of Parliament, lucidly setting out its concerns and urging their immediate intervention to reverse both the passport policy and the proposed fee hike.
The Committee stated that raising the application fee for a 36-page passport from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 would place a heavy financial burden on ordinary citizens, particularly job seekers, migrant workers, low-income families, and people from states like Kerala, where overseas employment is a crucial source of livelihood.
The leaders stressed that a passport is not a luxury but an essential document that enables millions of Indians to earn a livelihood abroad and support their families. They said imposing additional financial burdens on expatriate workers, whose remittances significantly strengthen India’s economy, would be both unfair and insensitive.
Saudi KMCC also announced that it is reinforcing its organisational network to better coordinate expatriate welfare initiatives and ensure timely access to government benefits. The organisation said senior UDF leaders, including Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, have reaffirmed their commitment to expatriate welfare, with enhancement of the expatriate pension scheme remaining one of KMCC’s key demands.
The National Committee also unveiled “Medicare,” its flagship healthcare initiative, offering Saudi KMCC members and their families access to discounted medical care through leading hospitals across Kerala. The scheme, approved at the National Committee meeting in Makkah, will also benefit members enrolled in KMCC welfare programmes.
Additionally, Saudi KMCC announced plans to launch a secure investment platform to help expatriates invest safely in India while exploring opportunities in Saudi Arabia. The organisation said the groundwork is already in progress and that experienced professionals and entrepreneurs will be invited to support the initiative.
Marking the Golden Jubilee of Saudi KMCC, the organisation announced a year-long celebration from 1 January to 31 December 2027, featuring a series of educational, cultural, social, and expatriate welfare programmes. A major highlight will be the marriage assistance programme for 50 young women, symbolising the organisation’s enduring commitment to community service.
The press conference was attended by Saudi KMCC National Committee President Kunjimon Kakkiya, General Secretary Ashraf Vengatt, Treasurer Ahmed Palayatt, Chairman Khader Chengala, Vice Presidents Nizam Mambad and Usman Ali Palathingal, Secretaries Nasar Veliyamkode, Haris Kallayi, Nasar Edavanakkad, Abubacker Arimbra, Mujeeb Pookkottur, and other National Committee office-bearers. The gathering concluded with a renewed pledge to safeguard the interests of the expatriate community and to further strengthen Saudi KMCC’s legacy of dedicated service, advocacy, and welfare.
M Siraj
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