Stuck with passport issues abroad? Here’s how Indians living anywhere in the world can get instant help toll-free | World News

New Delhi: In a major initiative for Indians living abroad, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is introducing an international toll-free number that will enable citizens anywhere in the world to connect directly to Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) without paying any fee. If someone has lost their passport or faced problems while renewing it, help will now be just a call away and users will not need to spend even a single rupee.

Passport issues can be stressful for students studying abroad or professionals working in foreign countries. Losing your passport right before your flight or needing urgent fixes for visa reasons often causes panic. In many countries, Indian embassies and consulates are located far from where citizens live. The new helpline will make support accessible to those who cannot easily reach a post. International calls are expensive; and therefore the government will bear all costs associated with this service.

The system is designed to route calls from anywhere in the world directly to India’s PSKs. Recognizing that passport-related emergencies can occur at any time, it will operate 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. A universal number will be provided wherever possible. However, in regions with technical restrictions, alternative toll-free numbers will be offered. Callers will enjoy the convenience of speaking to a local number while receiving guidance from trained professionals based in India.

The initiative is part of India’s broader digital governance efforts. Passport Seva Kendra was modernized in 2012 and currently operates in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). There are 37 passport offices, 92 service centers and more than 450 post office passport centres. While technical partners manage the infrastructure, data security and passport issuance authority is entirely in the hands of the state.

The helpline aims to strengthen trust between the Indian government and its diaspora. MEA invited bids from telecom companies for the implementation of the service. Once operational, the helpline will reassure students in Europe and migrant workers in the Gulf countries that their governments are always ready to help them.