India Launches e-OCI Card: Step by Step Guide for OCI Holders How to Download | Today’s news
India has announced the launch of the Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) e-Card for citizens living abroad along with a redesigned online portal to regulate foreign contributions, which would simplify compliance and improve public services.
On the launch of the e-OCI card, the Immigration Office on X wrote: “Great news for all OCI card holders! e-OCI (Electronic OCI Card) has officially launched!”
The post further read, “No more carrying the physical OCI booklet everywhere. Now you can download your digital e-OCI card on your mobile phone and present it at immigration checkpoints and airlines.”
Amit Shah launches FCRA, e-OCI card
The two initiatives were launched by Home Minister Amit Shah, after which he addressed the public and said that before 2014, the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) system was buried in files and procedures and lacked proper oversight, PTI reported.
The overhaul of the FCRA portal comes at a time when India has seen a significant increase in applications and donations, Shah said.
Read also | FCRA law stirs controversy: Congress calls it ‘unconstitutional’, government fights back
The FCRA 2.0 portal will digitize all major processes under FCRA, including registration, renewal, annual returns and other services, according to the report.
Shah also launched the e-OCI card and said it would benefit more than 50 lakh OCI cardholders as it would significantly reduce paperwork and eliminate the risk of loss or damage to their physical documents. He further said that the digital card will enable real-time verification and speed up immigration processing.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said the revamped system will enable applicants to complete the entire OCI application process online, including submitting forms, uploading supporting documents and downloading an approved digital OCI card.
Read also | Revised OCI application fee: Here’s what applicants need to know
Shah also noted that the redesigned system will provide applicants with a convenient, fully digital experience, eliminating the risk of physical documents being lost or damaged.
He further said that the latest OCI system eliminates the need for cardholders aged 20 and above to obtain a new OCI booklet whenever they receive a new passport. Instead, they will simply have to update their passport details through an online portal, he added.
Here is how to download e-OCI card
The Bureau of Immigration has shared a step-by-step guide on how to download an e-OCI card for existing cardholders on its social media account. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Existing Cardholders will be required to login to the OCI Services Portal: using their existing User ID and Password. For new users, applicants must complete the registration process using the email address provided at the time of their OCI application.
2. After logging in, click on the e-OCI tab on the dashboard.
3. Cardholders will now see their application details. Click on Generate e-OCI Card in the last column.
4. Your e-OCI card will be generated and ready for download.
5. Download and save the e-OCI card in your mobile phone. You can present the digital version at Immigration Check Posts and airlines whenever needed.
The agency also noted that previously issued physical OCIs are still valid.
