Simplifies process for re-issue of OCI Cards. In a decision which is expected to significantly ease the process for re-issue of Overseas Citizen of India OCI cards, the Modi Government has decided to simplify the process.
The OCI Card has proved to be very popular amongst foreigners of Indian Origin and spouses of foreign origin of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders, as it helps them in hassle free entry and unlimited stay in India. So far about OCI card is a life-long visa for entry into and stay in India with a number of other major benefits attached to it which are not available to other foreigners. Presently, the OCI card is required to be re-issued each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age, in view of biological changes in the face of the applicant.
With a view to facilitate the OCI cardholders, it has now been decided by the Government of India to dispense with this requirement. If a person has obtained registration as OCI cardholder after attaining the age of 20 years, there will be no requirement of re-issue of OCI card. These documents may be uploaded by the OCI cardholder within 3 months of receipt of the new passport. However, in the case of those who have been registered as OCI cardholder as spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or an OCI cardholder, the person concerned will be required to upload on the system, a copy of the new passport containing the photo of the passport holder and also a latest photo along with a declaration that their marriage is still subsisting each time a new passport is issued.
The details will be updated on the system and an auto acknowledgement through e-mail will be sent to the OCI cardholder informing that the updated details have been taken on record. OCI card needs to be re-issued each time a new passport is acquired by the cardholder up to the age of 20 years.
OCI card is required to be re-issued mandatorily only once after completing 50 years of age irrespective of the fact whether the cardholder has obtained a new passport or not. Re-issuance of OCI card is not required each time a passport is issued to a cardholder between 21 and 50 years of age. There is no mandatory requirement of carrying the old passport but may be advisable to carry as part of abundant precaution. Who is a citizen of another country, but was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after, the commencement of the Constitution; or 2.
