Big relief for OCI cardholders: Travel to and from India will not be restricted even while the passport update process is underway..

The Consulate General of India in New York has issued an important notice for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. The Consulate has clarified that OCI cardholders who have applied to update their passport details following the issuance of a new passport remain free to travel to and from India while their application is being processed. No travel restrictions will apply to them during this period. Additionally, OCI cardholders are advised to update their records within three months of the issuance of a new passport.

**Travel permitted during the passport update process**

The public notice issued by the Consulate General of India in New York states that OCI cardholders will not face any obstacles in traveling to or from India while their passport details are being updated. The Consulate has further clarified that if an OCI holder’s application to update their passport is pending, they may still travel using their valid OCI documents.

**Records must be updated within three months**

The public notice advises OCI cardholders to update their passport-related information in their OCI card and e-OCI registration within three months of receiving a new passport. The Consulate emphasizes that updating records in a timely manner is essential to avoid any future administrative or travel-related complications.

**What benefits do OCI cardholders receive?**

OCI cardholders are granted a lifetime visa for travel to India. They are also exempt from registration with the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO/FRO).

Furthermore, they are entitled to the same facilities as Indian citizens regarding domestic airfares, as well as entry fees for national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, national monuments, historical sites, and museums.
OCI cardholders also enjoy several other benefits similar to those available to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). These include the permission to adopt Indian children, eligibility to appear for prescribed entrance examinations such as NEET, JEE Main, and JEE Advanced, and the right to buy or sell immovable property (excluding agricultural land).

What rights are not granted?
OCI cardholders do not have the right to vote in India. They cannot become members of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Legislative Assembly, or Legislative Council. Furthermore, they are not eligible for appointment to constitutional positions, such as those of the President, Vice-President, or a judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court. They are also ineligible for appointment to public services under the central or state governments, and cannot purchase agricultural land, farmhouses, or plantation properties.

Procedure for downloading the e-OCI card
A procedure has also been provided for OCI cardholders to download their e-OCI card. This can be done by logging into the OCI Services portal and selecting the 'e-OCI' option available on the dashboard. The embassy has clarified that the digital e-OCI card can be presented as a valid document at immigration check posts and to airlines. The existing physical OCI card will also remain fully valid. If the email address linked to an OCI holder's record is no longer active, they are advised to first update their email ID through the 'OCI Miscellaneous Services' section.

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