Guys I think the process is easier than what we've thought . All it takes is the convincing , to give up their passport . Here's an AI generated answer citing Official government sources .
Eligibility for Citizenship
Players of Indian origin can apply for Indian citizenship under Section 5(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Person of Indian Origin (PIO): Must have proof of Indian ancestry (parents or grandparents born in India) and should not hold citizenship of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
2. Renunciation of Foreign Citizenship: India does not allow dual citizenship. The applicant must renounce their current citizenship before applying.
3. No Long-Term Residency Requirement: PIOs do not need to fulfill the long-term residency clause like naturalization applicants (11 years).
----Steps and Timeline
1. Renunciation of Foreign Citizenship:
The player must renounce their foreign citizenship and obtain a Certificate of Renunciation from their home country’s embassy or consulate.
Timeline: 1–2 months (varies by country).
2. Application for Indian Citizenship:
The applicant must apply through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) online portal or via the local District Magistrate.
Documents Required:
Proof of Indian ancestry (birth certificates, passports of parents or grandparents).
Certificate of Renunciation of foreign citizenship.
Proof of residence in India (if applicable).
Personal identification documents (passport, address proof).
Processing Steps:
Local authorities conduct background checks.
Verification by intelligence agencies.
Final approval by the MHA.
Timeline: 6–12 months for straightforward cases. For fast-tracked cases (athletes with national interest), it can be completed in 3–6 months.
3. Grant of Citizenship:
Once approved, the applicant receives a Certificate of Indian Citizenship, allowing them to apply for an Indian passport.
Timeline: 1 month after final approval.
4. Application for Indian Passport:
After citizenship is granted, the player can apply for a passport through the Passport Seva Kendra.
Timeline: 7–15 days for processing.
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Total Timeline
Standard Process: 7–14 months.
Fast-Tracked (for athletes): 4–6 months.
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Key Factors Influencing Timeline
1. Completeness of Documentation: Missing or unclear ancestry documents can delay the process.
2. Government Support: Applications backed by the AIFF or Ministry of Sports are more likely to be expedited.
3. Background Verification: Lengthy police and intelligence verification can add delays.
Relevant Sources
1. Citizenship Act, 1955 (MHA Website).
2. OCI Rules and PIO Eligibility (OCI Services).
3. Passport Application Process (Passport Seva Portal).
Conclusion
For players of Indian origin with proper documentation, obtaining an Indian passport typically takes 7–14 months. In cases where the government fast-tracks the process (e.g., for athletes contributing to national interest), the timeline can be reduced to 4–6 months.
Giving up the passport is not an easy decision and I don't think players can be convinced otherwise. There are many if and buts .... What if player fails to deliver a good performance? Would his place in NT be guaranteed? What would be his fate ?
We have seen many players who were hyped up but failed to deliver in the end.
Not at all an easy decision from their side . With proper scouting it's not impossible to find the right players . Indonesia's doing it and they don't allow dual citizenship as well. Their level has gone up drastically .
Not at all an easy decision from their side . With proper scouting it's not impossible to find the right players . Indonesia's doing it and they don't allow dual citizenship as well. Their level has gone up drastically .
I retrieved this data from the Transfermarkt website. There
aren’t many players listed, and those that are seem to be of average quality. Also, I have excluded players aged 30+. I'll also try to find player from other sources as well whenever time permits.
Comments
We have seen many players who were hyped up but failed to deliver in the end.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Indian_expatriate_footballers