The Indian Government has brought some changes to the rules and regulations of the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders recently. You can get the full details of the news changes as well as the travel instructions to India during the pandemic.
The Government of India has confirmed that individuals can travel to India on the strength of their existing OCI card bearing old passport number till 31.12.2021. The requirement to carry old passport along with the OCI card had been done away and from now on the new passport is enough for the journey.
‘OCI card holders travelling on the strength of their existing OCI card bearing old passport number are NOT required to carry their old passport. However, carrying the new passport is mandatory.’ The government confirmed.
The move to extend OCI card validity is due to the ongoing Covid situations and all physical submission/ collection of documents still remain suspended.
Points to note
Government of India has revised instructions/ guidelines on Re-issuance of OCI cards due to issuance of new foreign passport to OCI card holders.
(i) Mandatory requirement of re-issuance of an OCI card each time a new passport is issued to a foreigner up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age has now been dispensed with.
(ii) OCI cardholder is now required to get the OCI card re-issued only once when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age so as to capture his/ her facial features.
(iii) OCI cardholder is however required to upload ONLINE a copy of the new passport and a latest photo each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. The uploading of these documents may be done within three months of receipt of the new passport. The service will be provided on Gratis (no cost/ free) basis.
(iv) Foreign Spouse of an Indian Citizen or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI cardholder are required to upload a copy of the new passport and also a latest photo ONLINE each time a new passport is issued along with a declaration on subsisting of marriage, copy of the Indian passport of the Indian spouse/passport & OCI card of the OCI cardholder spouse.
The services under the following categories are gratis (no cost) in nature:
- In case issuance of new Passport Details (each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age)
- In case change in address/occupation/contact details.
To avail above mentioned gratis Miscellaneous Service, you must be an existing OCI Card Holder. Following is the process for availing of Gratis OCI Miscellaneous Services:
(a) Apply on-line on https://ociservices.gov.in and opt for passport updation services under OCI Miscellaneous Services and upload the latest photograph and requisite documents.
(b) The applicant shall receive an auto email for successful upload of the photograph/documents.
(c) The Embassy will verify the documents uploaded and acknowledge/ grant changes in the personal particulars of the applicant. The applicant shall also receive an auto email once the entire process is completed.
Note: The entire process will take approximately 5-6 weeks as per the SOPs of the Govt. of India. There is no need to send the documents to the Embassy in this regard. Applicant’s details will be updated online.
The re-issuance of new OCI card will be applicable for following categories (chargeable service)
- In case of issuance of new passport (once a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age.)
- In case of change of personal particulars viz. name, father’s name, nationality etc.
- In case of loss/damage of OCI registration certificate.
Procedure for applying for chargeable OCI Miscellaneous service
1. Filling up of Online Application Form
- Application to be filled online, using the website : https://passport.gov.in/oci/OnlineOCIRegistrationG.jsp
- The Application is in two parts; Part A and Part B
- Fill part A online along with uploading of photograph and signature/thumb impression, please ensure all information is correct and complete and then click on submit to proceed part B.
- Fill part B online and click on submit, after that please upload supporting documents
- A reference No. will generate on the top right corner of application form, please note down the number. This helps you keep record, take reprint and check status online. Then save filled out part A and B.
- A print window would appear. Click ok to print out the requisite application form consisting of part A & part B. Make sure that all lines, boxes and information on the printed application form are present and legible.
- Please enter your mobile number and email id in the column for contact details at Sr. No. 29 and 30.
NB: Please note that OCI is made on the basis of entries made by an applicant in the online form. Therefore, ensure that all entries in the online, as well as printed application form are correct.
Fee
| €84 + €3 in case loss/Damage OCI card | Fee is payable by two separate crossed postal orders/bank drafts in Euros, drawn in favour of Embassy of India, Dublin. For example, the applicant will have to buy two separate postal orders/bank drafts, one postal order/bank draft amounting to €21/- and another postal order/bank draft for €3/- OCI Fee once deposited shall not be refunded. |
| €21 + €3 in all other cases |
2. Submission of Application and Documents to Embassy
Submit the following documents either at Embassy or send by post to Embassy of India, 69 Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin-4, Ireland:
- The above printed application form;
- Two separate postal orders/bank drafts as above
- Three photographs with white background (2×2 inch)
- In case of lost OCI card, Garda report, in original, with OCI card number is to be submitted.
- Self-attested copies of the following supporting documents:
- Current Passport copy
- Old OCI card copy
- Address proof copy (if seeking change of address)
NB: Before applying to the Embassy, please check all the above documents and appropriate fee have been attached with the application.
Document submission time:Monday to Friday between 9:30am and 12.00 noon. (Except holidays)*
Processing Time: 6-7 weeks from the date of submission in Embassy if application is complete in all aspects.
Applicant can also check the status of application online, using the website: https://passport.gov.in/oci/OnlineOCIRegistrationG.jsp
3. Collection Procedure for OCI card:
OCI card may be collected from the Embassy, on receipt of Embassy’s intimation email. Please submit the current original passport and old OCI card and then collect after 5 working day.
To receive the OCI card by Post, applicants are required to send the original foreign passport and old OCI card to the Embassy along with a self-addressed registered envelope (Tamper proof envelope only).
Documents Collection Time: Monday to Friday between 4pm and 5pm. (Except holidays)*
For any further query please write or call:
Email ID: passport.dublin@mea.gov.in
Tel No. +353- 01-2060932 (1400 hrs to 1600 hrs)
Source: Indian Embassy, Dublin.