Dubai, United Arab Emirates - April 17, 2021:   Mr. Kamal Vachani, Chairman of Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, on Saturday, welcomed the landmark decision of the Government of India for easing the process for the re-issuance of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards.

The Government of India on Thursday eased rules for the re-issue of OCI cards. The government has dispensed with the requirement of getting one’s OCI card re-issued each time a new passport is issued to him/her up to 20 years of age and once after attaining 50 years of age. The new OCI card regulations approved on the directions of Home Minister Amit Shah.

Highly popular OCI card provides life-time visa-free travel and stay in India and gives the cardholders a host of privileges normally not given to a foreign national. It is estimated that India has issued about 3.77 million OCI Cards.

Mr. Kamal Vachani expressed great appreciation for the relaxation of rules for OCI card and said, “It is indeed a great decision by the Govt of India and it has resolved the problems of OCI card holders once for all.”

A person registered as an OCI cardholder before turning 20 now needs to have the OCI card re-issued only once after completing 20 years of age, so as to capture his/her changed facial features.

Mr. Kamal Vachani added that the move will encourage more overseas Indians to get OCI cards and at the same time it will benefit India through more investment, business and frequent travel.

The previous provision of OCI cardholders below 20 years of age and above 50 years of age requiring to re-apply for a fresh OCI card every time their passport was renewed.