OCI confusion: Indian High Commission releases new advisory

The Indian High Commission in Australia has clarified that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is required to be re-issued mandatorily only once after completing 50 years of age.

OCI card, which is meant to be a lifelong visa to travel to India, and an Australian passport Source: SBS

The Indian High Commission in Australia has issued a new advisory regarding the renewal of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.

According to the latest advisory, “OCI Card is required to be re-issued mandatory only once after completing 50 years of age irrespective of the fact whether the cardholder has obtained a new passport or not.”

Here is the latest advisory, which is “in the suppression of the High Commission of India’s earlier advisory”.

Source: Screenshot of a tweet by the Indian High Commission

Earlier the contradictory statements by various officials had caused confusion for travellers.

An earlier advisory by the High Commission of India had suggested the OCI card was required to be re-issued only once on renewal of passport after completing 50 years of age.

The contradictory advice had left many travellers confused.

The High Commission’s latest advisory follows a story by SBS Malayalam pointing to the contradictory messages by the Indian authorities.

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