Punjab has achieved a remarkable feat by setting a record for the highest number of passports ever issued in the state during the year 2023. According to data released by the Ministry of External Affairs, 11.94 lakh new passports were issued to residents of Punjab, marking a significant increase. Despite being the fourth state in the country for the maximum passports issued, following Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, Punjab leads in terms of the percentage of the population obtaining passports.
The issuance of 11.94 lakh passports in 2023 reflects the strong aspiration of Punjabis to explore opportunities abroad. The state, known for its diaspora, has witnessed a surge in passport applications, surpassing previous records. The data also indicates that it’s not just the youth but also elderly relatives of Punjabi youths settled abroad, after completing their education in foreign lands, contributing to the increased demand for passports.
Over the past decade, a total of 81.20 lakh passports have been issued in Punjab, generating a substantial amount of revenue. The fees collected for passport issuance in 2023 alone amount to Rs 179.10 crore. This remarkable achievement signifies the global ambitions and connections of the Punjabi community, reinforcing their presence on the international stage.
