Govt simplifies process to re-issue OCI cards

Government has decided to simplify the process to re-issue Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards. Currently, 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. Now, it has been decided  to dispense with this requirement. 

A person who has got registration as OCI cardholder prior to attaining the age of 20 years will have to get the OCI card re-issued only once when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age. 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.

 

With a view to update the data regarding new passports obtained by the OCI cardholder, it has been decided that they



will upload a copy of the new passport containing their photo and also a latest photo on the online OCI portal, each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. 

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 a copy of the new passport.

 

The decision is expected to significantly ease the process for re-issue of OCI cards. 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.