Q.1038 Documentary evidence

of Indian Origin for OCI

Question: Dear Sir/Madam, I was pleased to discover your website which I found interesting and useful. I wish to apply for OCI status because I am spending up to six months in India annually, for reasons outlined in the " reverse immigration section " on your site. The problem I have is that all evidence of my birth is India was lost when my parents passed away 30 years ago. I am 65, and have a British passport which gives my birthplace as Jhansi, UP, India. My British driving licence has ' India' as my birth country. Will this suffice as evidence of my Indian birth, and enable me to apply for OCI status?. I left India with my parents when I was about nine years old. I started my schooling there and was baptized there. Whilst in Jhansi on frequent visits, I have requested certificates of baptism, and of evidence of my schooling there, but failed to obtain any information despite almost pleading to the authorities. It is possible that, as these events took place so long ago, there are no records. The facts are that my passport clearly states Jhansi as my birthplace, as does my driving licence. Will this suffice as evidence for me to apply for OCI status. I look forward to your advice. Kind regards, Mukul Lall. Answer: Since you are spending up to six months in India, you should apply for OCI in India. The advantage of applying in India would be that you might be able to get help by contacting the FRRO personnel. When applying from abroad the chance of speaking to someone at Indian consulates or at the outsourced offices is not that easy. You seem to have enough proof to show Indian origin. There is also an option in India to get help from a local lawyer in case you need to get some documents or get an acceptable affidavit made in lieu of a required document that is not available.