Staff Report

Mr. Kamal Vachani, Chairman of Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, on Wednesday expressed great appreciation and welcomed the extension of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card until the end of 2020.

The Government of India has granted an extension to OCI cardholders until December 31, 2020, to register for re-issuance of the privilege card in the wake of the travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr. Vachani said, “The extension is a big relief to OCI cardholders by the Government of India, and now they can visit India without the hassle of applying for a visit visa once the international flight operations start in India.”

“On behalf of GOPIO Dubai and the Northern Emirates, I welcome this timely decision of the Indian government. I believe a majority of OCI cardholders will get benefit from this extension,” added Mr. Vachani.

The Overseas Citizenship of India card is an immigration status permitting a foreign citizen of Indian origin to live and work in the Republic of India indefinitely. The OCI card was introduced in response to demands for dual citizenship by the Indian diaspora, particularly in developed countries.