DATELINE DESI

DO I HAVE TO GET MY OCI CARD RE-ISSUED?

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In response to numerous queries related to recent changes made in instructions related to OCI cards, the Consulate General of India has issued the following:

Extension of last date for getting OCI Card reissued to December 31, 2021.

1. As per existing instructions, 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 and once after completing 50 years of age in view of biological changes in the face of the OCI cardholder. With a view to avoid inconvenience to such OCI cardholders, it has been decided to grant extension of time till December 31, 2021 to all eligible foreigners to get their OCI cards reissued.

2. As per MHA’s extant guidelines regarding entry of OCI Cardholders in India, requirement of carrying old and new passports along with the OCI card has been done away. Henceforth, the 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 of new passport is mandatory.