India Eases Passport Process for Transgender Citizens

In January 2025, Centre told court that Transgender citizens who undergo gender affirmation surgery abroad can re-enter India by submitting a sworn affidavit of gender change and a certificate from the hospital.

Key Points

Passport Renewal: Upon returning, these individuals can apply for a renewed passport reflecting updated gender and name details.
Court Observations: The Delhi High Court flagged recurring challenges faced by transgender individuals whose passports no longer align with their updated gender, name, or appearance post-surgery.
Required Documents: Certificate of Identity (Form-4) and Identity Card (Form-6) under the Transgender Person (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
Alternatively, a sworn affidavit and a surgical reconstruction certificate from the hospital.
Emergency Certificates: If these documents are unavailable, the government may issue an Emergency Certificate with a note on the holder’s gender affirmation surgery.
Policy Update: The Ministry of External Affairs will align the passport manual with these updated provisions to streamline the process.