OCI Cardholders Can Now Submit e-Arrival Form Online 72 Hours Prior to Arrival

The Government of India has rolled out a major OCI update, enabling Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) to fill and submit their e-Arrival card online between 72 hours before arriving in India. This new center allows tourists to provide the necessary data online through official websites boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in, or through mobile application 'Indian Visa Su-Swagatam.' Earlier, e-Arrival forms used to be provided physically on flights for people to complete during travel. Although the online submission portal has been inaugurated, the facility to fill up physical e-Arrival cards will continue to be offered for the next six months or until notice, keeping everyone flexible.

The e-Arrival card system is India's effort to facilitate travel for OCI cardholders further, with greater convenience and efficiency at points of entry. Overseas Citizens of India, or OCI cardholders, belong to a program launched by the Government of India in August 2005. The OCI scheme was created to offer Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) various advantages concerning travel, linkage with India, and social, economic, and educational benefits. The initiative will ensure close relationships between India and its international diaspora, enabling freeer entry into the nation as well as the ability of owners to participate in activities that suit their historical culture and professional objectives.

The government clearly outlines eligibility for the OCI program. PIOs who were Indian citizens on January 26, 1950, or later, or were eligible to become Indian citizens on that day can apply to become OCI cardholders. The scheme is not applicable to people who are or have been citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other state specifically designated by the Indian government by notifications in the Official Gazette. This differentiation guarantees that the scheme is chiefly for the advantage of those who have a strong historical and cultural link to India.

An OCI card holder is legally recognized when the individual is registered under Section 7A of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2015. This registration allows various privileges similar to those accorded to Indian citizens, though not voting rights or holdovers on public offices. The e-Arrival card is an integral component of the process of arrival for OCI holders, as it offers immigration agencies early information about travelers, which facilitates easier verification and processing at the time of arrival. The online facility decreases paperwork, minimizes mistakes, and increases the efficiency of immigration processes, which proves useful during the busy travel seasons or in frequent travelers between India and other nations.

By providing both online and in-person submission facilities for e-Arrival cards, the government caters to the convenience preferences and technology access points of travelers. The move demonstrates India's continuous process of modernizing and digitalizing immigration processes, making them streamlined, easy to use, and internationally compatible. The OCI scheme, in conjunction with this online e-Arrival service, enhances India's interaction with its diaspora, promoting feelings of belonging and active participation in the socio-economic growth of the country.

Therefore, the online submission of e-Arrival cards for OCI cardholders is a major move towards ease of travel, administrative convenience, and staying connected to India's global diaspora. OCI cardholders, who are enrolled under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2015, enjoy ease of process while still having the physical form submission choice available. This double system guarantees availability and convenience, affirming India's interest in ease of travel and enhancing the experience of its overseas citizens.