Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs
Press Release
Instructions about re-issuance of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cards-regarding
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The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry’s O.M. of even number dated 16th December, 2019, on the above mentioned subject, to the email dated 12.05.2020 from the Ministry of External Affairs forwarding a message from Ambassador of India, Washington D.C & 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 and to say that the matter has been considered in this 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.
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22nd May, 2020
