The Government of India has simplified the process for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders by removing the requirement to apply for a fresh OCI card after obtaining a new passport or updating personal details.
Under the revised procedure, OCI cardholders who receive a new passport after attaining the age of 20 or 50, or who update personal particulars such as name, nationality or gender, can now complete the process online through the OCI Services Portal and download an updated e-OCI Card.
Applicants are required to log in to the OCI Services Portal, select OCI Miscellaneous Services, access their OCI profile using their passport number, OCI card number and date of birth, and submit the relevant request for updating passport particulars, personal details, or address and occupation.
After uploading the required documents, the application will be processed online by the concerned Indian Mission or the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
Once approved, the updated details will be reflected on the applicant’s dashboard, from where the e-OCI Card can be generated and downloaded.
The government has, however, made biometric updating mandatory for OCI cardholders who update passport particulars after obtaining a new passport on or after the age of 20. Biometric details must be updated at the concerned Indian Mission, FRRO office or an international airport during the holder’s next overseas travel.
The government has also reminded OCI cardholders that passport particulars must be updated within 90 days of the issuance of a new passport. Failure to do so will attract a late penalty of US$25.
