Relaxation in re-issuance of OCI Guidelines till 31st December 2020

Relaxation in re-issuance of OCI Guidelines till 31st December 2020

India Post News Service

In consideration of the ongoing lockdown, the Ministry of External Affairs has communicated clarity on the re-issuance of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards. It has reference to the Ministry’s O.M. of even number dated 16th December, 2019, on the subject, to the email dated 12.05.2020 from the Ministry of External Affairs forwarding a message from Ambassador of India, Washington DC& to the O.M.no.VII/420/126/2019 dated 15.05.2020 from the Ministry of External Affairs (CPV Division), regarding extension of deadline for renewal/re-issue of OCI cards beyond 30th June, 2020 to say that the matter has been considered in the Ministry.

As the existing instructions contained in para 21.13.2 of the Visa Manual 2019, the Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder registration is required to be got re-issued each time a new passport is issued up to the age of 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 avoid inconveniences to such OCI cardholders, it has been decided, with the approval of the competent authority, to grant extension of time till 31st December, 2020 to get their OCI cards re-issued.

As and when prohibition on international air travel is lifted by the Central Government and the status of OCI card as a lifelong visa for travel to/from India is restored, such OCI cardholders may be allowed to travel on the strength of their existing OCI cards bearing old passport number.  However, this will be subjected to the condition that the OCI cardholder will have to travel along with old and new passports and the OCI card having the old passport number.