A quiet but deeply relatable post by an Indian technology professional has sparked a wider conversation online about passports, visas and the daily friction faced by globally mobile Indians.
On social media platform X, Kunal Kushwaha wrote that his Indian passport has “slowly stopped adding value” to his life. His words were not driven by anger or outrage, but by exhaustion — a sentiment that many young professionals across India, including Karnataka, say they understand all too well.
Simple travel plans turn complicated
Kunal recalled wanting to surprise his best friend in Ireland on his birthday. Instead of booking a flight, he found himself spending hours checking visa rules and timelines. Having recently travelled to Berlin, he realised he could not visit Dublin for Christmas simply because he did not have enough days left to apply for another visa.
He stressed that the issue was neither money nor time off work, but the constant planning and paperwork that international travel demands for Indian passport holders.
Airports, visas and repeated paperwork
Sharing his airport experiences, Kunal described standing in long immigration queues while others passed through with ease. Each journey meant carrying folders of documents that had already been submitted multiple times.
According to him, applying for a Schengen visa feels like a “full-time job”, involving bank statements, hotel bookings, cover letters and detailed explanations for what should be routine travel. Many professionals working abroad echoed this frustration in the comments, calling the system inefficient and emotionally draining.
Beyond travel: money, air and systems
Kunal also touched on broader concerns. He wrote that investments which once appeared stable now feel uncertain as the rupee continues to weaken. Air pollution, he said, is felt immediately when stepping outdoors and reflected in global rankings, yet visible solutions seem limited.
Outdated banking and KYC processes were another concern, with repeated visits, paperwork, delays and resubmissions adding to everyday stress for professionals managing finances across borders.
“I’m not angry. I’m tired”
Clarifying his stance, Kunal stated that his post was not about patriotism or criticism of India. “I’m not angry. I’m tired,” he wrote, explaining that constant friction makes life harder for those working globally with restricted mobility. His closing line — “National pride is not a substitute for global mobility” — struck a chord online.
Public response and reflections
The post received widespread engagement, with users expressing empathy and sharing similar experiences. Some called for systemic reform, while others argued that change must come from within by questioning and improving existing processes.
For many young Indians, including professionals from Karnataka’s tech hubs, the post reflects a growing reality: ambition and talent may be global, but mobility remains uneven.