Hyderabad-based entrepreneur Jitendra Emmani, founder of CozyFarms.in, has sparked a significant online debate by labeling the Indian passport "absolutely useless." His criticism centers on the extensive international travel restrictions faced by Indian citizens, despite substantial tax contributions.
Challenges of International Mobility
Emmani, who shared his views on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the considerable hurdles Indian passport holders encounter when planning international travel. He stated that access to many desirable destinations requires lengthy visa application processes, often involving numerous documents and prolonged waiting periods.
"Our passport is absolutely useless. Can’t go anywhere good without waiting for days for the Visa or submitting a thousand pages."
His post quickly gained traction, accumulating over 1.8 lakh views, underscoring a widespread sentiment among many Indians regarding travel freedoms.
The 'US Visa Shortcut' and Pursuit of Foreign Passports
A key point of Emmani's argument was the role of a valid US visa, which he described as a "shortcut" for easier access to various countries. He questioned the necessity for Indian passport holders to rely on additional stamps or visas, particularly from a third country, to facilitate their global movement.
This situation, he suggested, is a primary driver behind the increasing interest among some Indians in obtaining foreign citizenship or passports. "No wonder so many Indians are chasing other passports," Emmani remarked, connecting the lack of mobility to the desire for alternative nationalities.
Taxation Without Travel Advantage
Emmani further fueled the discussion by linking passport utility to tax contributions. He claimed to pay between ₹75 lakh and ₹1 crore annually in direct and indirect taxes, yet perceived "zero advantages" in terms of both local and international benefits, especially regarding travel. He emphasized the need for internal improvements within the country rather than dwelling on past issues.
India's Global Passport Standing
The entrepreneur's comments come amidst data reflecting India's position in global passport rankings. According to the latest Passport Index, India ranks 73rd worldwide, a drop of seven places from its 66th position in 2025. India's Mobility Score stands at 69, allowing visa-free access to 25 countries and visa-on-arrival access to 39 countries. Conversely, Indian passport holders currently require visas for 129 countries, up from 125 in 2025.