The newly elected government has introduced significant increases in passport fees, resulting in a historic surge in the country’s fee structure. This sudden change, effective immediately, has led to widespread concern among the public due to the substantial hike.
According to media reports, the fee for a standard 36-page passport, valid for 5 years, has risen from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,500. Additionally, the urgent processing fee has surged from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,500. Similarly, the cost of a 10-year passport has increased from Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 6,700 for regular processing and from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 11,200 for urgent processing.
For passports with more pages, the fees have escalated further. A 72-page passport valid for 5 years now costs Rs. 8,200 under normal processing and Rs. 13,500 under urgent processing. Similarly, a 100-page passport valid for 10 years will now cost applicants Rs. 12,400 for standard processing and Rs. 20,200 for urgent processing.
These drastic increases in passport fees have sparked concern and criticism among citizens, as they significantly impact the cost of obtaining essential travel documents. The sudden fee hike have raised questions about its rationale and potential impact on individuals, particularly those who frequently travel for work or other purposes.
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