Q.948 OCI Holder with Visa in

Expired Passport Traveling to India

Question: Dear sir I have a query on whether my mother needs to apply for a fresh OCI certificate in her new passport as her old British passport has expired. The facts are as follows: my mother is now 76 years old Her OCI certificate/visa was issued on 12 December 2006. This is after she attained age 50 She is booked to travel next Tuesday I understand she may travel with her old passport with the OCI visa and her new passport as she was over 50 when the OCI was issued. Please advise ASAP as she travels next Tuesday. Any other advise you can give will be appreciated. Thanking you in advance for your assistance. My phone number is 07855837074 Anil Mohanlal. Answer: There is no requirement for her to apply for fresh OCI documents as she was over 50 years of age when she initially got her OCI. Furthermore, the requirement to carry your old passport showing the OCI ‘U’ visa was discontinued by the government of India effective January 29, 2015. The Government has issued instructions to the immigration authorities in India not to insist on the production of the foreign passport containing the OCI 'U' visa sticker when OCI holders enter or exit from India. Entry is now granted by immigration based on producing the OCI card (booklet). The practice of pasting OCI stickers on passports is also being phased out when the current stock of OCI stickers expires. Now OCI holders can simply carry their OCI booklet as proof of their OCI status. A link to the government circular in this regard is posted on the homepage of NriInformation.com. Do keep in mind that along with the OCI booklet, a valid foreign passport is also required.