FAQs on marital disputes involving NRI/PIO spouses
Select a question to see the answer.
1. I and my husband are residing abroad. How can I get assistance for settlement of marital issues between me and my husband?
You may approach the Indian Mission in the foreign country where you and your husband reside for possible assistance in resolving your marital dispute.
2. I am residing in India. How can I get my overseas Indian spouse to come to India for the settlement of our marital dispute?
You may forward your complaint to the Indian Mission in the foreign country where your husband resides, to contact your spouse for settlement of the marital dispute. If your husband does not cooperate, you may take judicial recourse.
3. I am residing abroad. How can I apply for the legal and financial assistance provided by the Ministry of External Affairs?
You may approach the Indian Mission in the foreign country in which you reside.
4. I am residing in India. How can I get maintenance or financial support from my overseas Indian husband?
- file a case in a court of competent jurisdiction in India;
- approach the Indian Mission in the foreign country where your husband resides for assistance and guidance.
5. What should I do for revocation or impounding of my husband’s passport, or to stop its renewal?
You may approach a criminal court of competent jurisdiction in India for an order revoking or impounding your husband’s passport.
6. How can I get my husband’s foreign passport revoked or suspended?
The issue of a foreign passport is outside India’s jurisdiction. You may approach the Embassy of the foreign country concerned.
7. How can I get my husband’s foreign visa suspended or revoked?
Visa matters are dealt with by the authorities of the foreign country that issued the visa. You may approach the Embassy of that country.
8. How can I get details of the visa and employment of my overseas Indian spouse?
Details of an individual’s visa or employment are not available with the Ministry of External Affairs. You may approach the Embassy of the foreign country concerned.
9. How can I get my overseas Indian husband’s application for permanent residence rejected or revoked?
Permanent residence is a sovereign matter of the foreign government concerned and is beyond the jurisdiction of the Ministry of External Affairs. You may approach the Embassy of that country.
10. How can I get the residence permit of my overseas Indian husband cancelled?
You may approach the Embassy of the foreign country in which your husband resides for assistance and guidance.
11. I am residing in India. I request the Ministry to take legal action against my overseas Indian husband.
- notify the police in the area where you live or where the matrimonial home is;
- approach the National Commission for Women for legal assistance and guidance.
12. My child has been taken abroad by my overseas Indian husband without my consent. I am residing in India and want to be reunited with my child. What should I do?
- register a case on the MADAD portal;
- approach the NCPCR (Mediation Cell) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (Child Welfare Division);
- file a case for child custody in India;
- complain to the Embassy of the foreign country where the child has been taken;
- file a case against your husband in the country where he resides.
13. I am residing in India. How can I communicate with my children who are in the custody of my husband abroad?
You may file a case in a court of competent jurisdiction in India and obtain an order facilitating communication with your children.
14. How can I find my overseas Indian husband who is not in touch with me?
- send your complaint, with your husband’s correct passport number and contact details, to the Indian Mission in the country where he resides;
- approach that Indian Mission directly;
- see the list of Indian associations and NGOs on the website of the Indian Embassy in that country.
15. How can I get my husband, who is residing abroad, deported to India?
- file a case in court;
- serve summons, notices or arrest warrants on your husband abroad through the Ministry of Home Affairs;
- approach the Indian Embassy in the country where your husband resides.
16. How can I stop my husband who is trying to flee the country?
- approach senior police authorities to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) against your husband;
- file a case in court to stop him from leaving the country.
17. I am residing in India. How can I start criminal proceedings against my overseas Indian spouse?
You may file a case in a criminal court of competent jurisdiction in India.
18. What is the procedure for serving judicial process, including summons and show-cause notices, on my spouse outside India?
In civil matters, service of judicial process outside India is handled by the Ministry of Law and Justice (Joint Secretary and Legal Adviser, ‘A’ Wing, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi). In criminal matters, it is handled by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Joint Secretary (IS-II), NDCC-II Building, Jai Singh Road, New Delhi 110 001).
19. I am residing in India. My overseas Indian husband has deserted me, or subjected me to dowry harassment or domestic violence. What should I do?
- file a case in a court of competent jurisdiction in India;
- approach the National Commission for Women for legal assistance and guidance.
20. I am residing with my overseas Indian husband abroad. He has deserted me, or is subjecting me to dowry harassment or domestic violence. What should I do?
You may approach the Indian Mission in the country where you live for help in filing a complaint with the local police. The Mission can put you in touch with local Indian associations and NGOs, and can provide legal and financial assistance if you decide to take legal action in that country. Lists of local Indian associations, NGOs and lawyers are on the website of the Indian Embassy in that country.
21. How can I get a Red Corner Notice issued against my overseas Indian husband?
- get an FIR registered with the local police;
- take judicial recourse.
22. I am residing in India and have been thrown out of my matrimonial home by my overseas Indian husband’s relatives. How can I get back my belongings and documents?
You may file a case in a court of competent jurisdiction in India to retrieve your belongings.
23. I am residing abroad with my overseas Indian husband and have been thrown out of the matrimonial home. How can I get back my belongings and documents?
You may approach the Indian Mission in that country for assistance and guidance.
24. I am residing in India and my overseas Indian husband has married another woman without divorcing me. What should I do?
You may file a case in a court of competent jurisdiction in India.
25. How can I take action against my overseas Indian husband for cyber harassment?
You may register your complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
For help from the Embassy, write to cons[dot]havana[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in or register your grievance on MADAD. National Commission for Women 24×7 helpline: 7827170170.
Last updated on: 13 October 2026