In a major move that is set to simplify processes for expatriates and overseas Indians, the Indian government has announced that OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards can now be updated with new passport details online. This development comes as a relief to thousands of OCI cardholders who have been facing difficulties in updating their information due to cumbersome bureaucratic procedures.
The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme was introduced by the Indian government to grant certain privileges to foreign nationals of Indian origin, providing them with lifelong visa-free travel to India along with other benefits. However, one of the challenges faced by OCI cardholders has been the requirement to update their passport details whenever they renew or replace their passport.
Previously, OCI cardholders had to physically visit the nearest Indian mission or embassy to update their passport details. This process was not only time-consuming but also caused inconvenience to many who lived far away from these offices. The new online update feature will now allow OCI cardholders to easily update their passport details from the comfort of their homes.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that OCI cardholders can visit the official website of the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) to update their passport details. The process is quick and simple, requiring the submission of the old passport details along with the new passport information. Once the details are verified, the updated information will be reflected in the OCI card database.
This move has been welcomed by the Indian diaspora around the world, who have been advocating for a more streamlined and efficient process for updating OCI card information. Many OCI cardholders have expressed their gratitude towards the government for implementing this online update feature, which will save them time and effort.
The online update feature is part of the Indian government’s ongoing efforts to digitize and simplify processes for overseas Indians. In recent years, the government has taken several steps to make it easier for the Indian diaspora to connect with their roots and avail of various services without the need for physical visits to Indian missions or embassies.
The introduction of the online update feature for OCI cards is expected to benefit thousands of OCI cardholders who need to update their passport details on a regular basis. This will not only save time and effort but also make the process more convenient and accessible for those living in remote areas or countries where Indian missions are not easily accessible.
The MEA has urged all OCI cardholders to take advantage of the new online update feature and ensure that their passport details are kept up to date. Failure to update passport details in a timely manner could lead to complications during travel or while availing of various services in India.
Overall, the introduction of the online update feature for OCI cards is a significant step towards making processes simpler and more efficient for overseas Indians. This move is expected to benefit a large number of OCI cardholders and further strengthen the bond between the Indian diaspora and their motherland.
