People of Indian origin and Indian diaspora who have Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card are now not required to carry their old, expired passports for travel to India, as required earlier.
This was revealed in a statement issued by the Embassy of Indian in USA.
“The requirement of carrying old and new passports, along with the OCI card, has been done away with.”
This statement will help address one of the major concerns of overseas Indians.
The embassy said:
“Henceforth, an OCI cardholder travelling on the strength of an existing OCI card bearing old passport number is not required to carry the old passport. However, carrying the new (current) passport is mandatory.”
According to the embassy, the Indian government has also decided to grant further extension of time till December 31, 2021, to get the OCI cards re-issued for those below the age of 20 years and above 50 years.
As per the current OCI guidelines that have been in force since 2005, an OCI card is required to be re-issued each time a new passport is acquired by the cardholder up to the age of 20 years or after completing 50 years of age.
The Indian government has relaxed the second provisions since last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
