People of Indian origin and Indian diaspora who have an overseas citizen of India (OCI) card are now not required to carry their old, expired passports for travel to India, as required earlier, according to a statement.
"The requirement of carrying old and new passports, along with the OCI card, has been done away with," an official statement from the Indian Embassy in Washington DC said yesterday, referring to a notification issued in this regard by the Centre, addressing one of the major concerns of overseas Indians.
"Henceforth, an OCI cardholder travelling on the strength of an existing OCI card bearing old passport number is not required to carry the old passport. However, carrying the new (current) passport is mandatory," the statement said.
The Indian government has also decided to grant further extension of time till December 31, 2021, to get the OCI cards re-issued for those below the age of 20 years and above 50 years.
As per the current OCI guidelines that have been in force since 2005, an OCI card is required to be re-issued each time a new passport is acquired by the cardholder up to the age of 20 years or after completing 50 years of age.
The Indian government had relaxed the second provisions since last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.