Many Indian-origin citizens suffer due to mismatch of OCI card information: Submission to Ambassador

(PTI) Washington, Ta. December 9, 2019, Monday

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card has raised widespread complaints that many Indian-origin citizens have to cancel their visit to India. Indian-origin citizens have expressed their displeasure over the government's new policy by introducing it to the US-based Indian ambassador.

It is mandatory for Indian-origin citizens to hold an Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card approved by the Government of India to visit India. Based on this card information, Indian-origin citizens can visit India,

But OCI card holders are facing a lot of hassle because of new notifications issued by the Home Ministry and the Aviation Ministry. Prem Bhandari, a respected citizen of Indian origin, has presented the US-based Indian Ambassador in writing in this regard.

According to the presentation, many Indian-origin citizens have been tempted to cancel India tour for some time due to technical reasons for mismatch of OCI card information. Moreover, many Indian-origin citizens have to return after coming to Dubai. Because their information does not match the system.

According to Home Ministry data, more than two million Indian-origin citizens have received OCI cards so far. Earlier, Indian-origin citizens were allowed up to 10 years on the basis of PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card. Then after the facility of OCI card started, PIO card could be made in India. The importance of OCI has grown since 2015.

Not long ago, the Home Ministry announced a new advisory on OCI issues. Under this, OCIs were also required to be renewed after the renewal of passports by Indian-origin citizens under the age of 20 and above 50 years. Due to this, many travelers have complained that they have to return.