Note- all right of information belong to original person name mentioned.
Original person:Sandeep Kochhar
A distressed Indian national who was robbed on a train in the United Kingdom found swift assistance at the High Commission of India, London, receiving an Emergency Certificate (EC) within just two hours—allowing them to return home to India the very next day.
The traveler had lost their bag containing a laptop and passport during the train journey in the UK, just a day before their scheduled flight back to India. With limited time and no passport in hand, they rushed to the Indian High Commission in London seeking urgent help.
Upon speaking through the intercom and explaining the situation, the individual was immediately granted entry. Inside, a receptionist reassured them that the mission would issue an Emergency Certificate, provided the necessary documents were submitted.
The applicant had already arranged key documents, including a filled EC application form, Aadhaar card, copy of the stolen passport, driving license, passport photographs, flight tickets, visa details, and required declarations. Although the official crime report was initially missing, the traveler had the crime reference number. Officials confirmed that once the report was emailed later received from the British Transport Police the process could proceed.
A senior consular officer personally verified the documents and informed the applicant that only the £14 application fee in cash was required. Security staff assisted in locating a nearby cash withdrawal facility. Once the emailed crime report was forwarded to the High Commission, the Emergency Certificate was processed without delay.
Within an hour, the EC was issued. The traveler described the experience as smooth, respectful, and reassuring during a moment of crisis. The following day, they were able to board their flight to India without difficulty.
Upon arrival in India, immigration clearance was completed quickly at a dedicated Emergency Certificate counter, taking only a few minutes.
While arranging documentation including police communication, passport photographs, and form submissions took nearly 10 hours with support from members of the Indian community in the UK, the consular response itself was completed in approximately two hours.
The incident highlights the role of Indian diplomatic missions abroad in assisting citizens during emergencies and facilitating their safe return home when travel documents are lost or stolen.
