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Press Release on OCI/PIO cards

Posted on: December 28, 2021 | Back | Print

HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA
MBABANE (Eswatini)
Press Release
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The High Commission of India, Mbabane has begun accepting applications for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards to eligible persons of Indian origin as per section 7A of The Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955) and their spouses who meet the requisite conditions. Those who wish to apply for the OCI card may visit the High Commission’s website (https://www.hcimbabane.gov.in).

For those who are already PIO/OCI card holders the following may be noted:

  • Requirement of carrying old and new passports along with the OCI card has been done away with. Henceforth, OCI card holders travelling on the strength of their existing OCI card, bearing old passport number, are not required to carry their old passport. However, carrying of new passport is mandatory.
  • Indian Immigration Check Post(s) will continue to consider all PIO cards valid for exit/entry into India till 31st December 2022. This extension of timeline is subject to the condition that if in the meantime any deadline is notified by the ICAO, thereby making hand written PIO cards invalid, then PIO cardholders may have to obtain appropriate visa from Indian Missions/Posts.
  • All PIO cardholders with valid PIO cards as on 09.01.2015 are advised to apply for conversion of PIO card to OCI card (which are machine readable) as early as possible to facilitate easier entry/exit at immigration points.

For further queries please contact at mobile number: +268 7906 8168.


28 December, 2021