Embassy of India, Asmara, Eritrea

OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) Card

The applicant to avail OCI service needs to be a resident visa holder of Eritrea for not less than 6 months preceding the OCI application. In case of new born children, the same rule applies to their parents.

Eligibility and Application Procedure:

            Eligibility for preferring an application for OCI is available at https://ociservices.gov.in. Once the application along with uploading of photograph, signature/thumb impression & relevant documents is submitted, no changes can be made in the details already filled in. In case of any error / changes, the applicant is to fill out a fresh application form. Detailed process related to uploading of photographs and required documents can be seen in the  OCI website.

            Once the application has been submitted,  the applicant is required to visit the Embassy of India, Asmara with File Reference Number for verification of original documents and submission of fee.

Applicant has to bring all the original documents.
In case the applicant is a minor, parents must accompany the child. Originals of all uploaded documents on OCI portal are required to be presented for verification. Original documents and passport are returned immediately after verification.
Foreign spouse applicants must furnish apostille/attested birth certificate of self and parents/grandparents/great grandparents and visit Embassy of India, Asmara with Indian spouse for an interview.

Revised Guidelines on Updation/ Re-issue of OCI Card:

An OCI card holder is required to update his/her new passport particulars every time a new passport is issued to the card holder. However, if the card has been issued prior to the age of 20, the card holder has to apply for re-issue of an OCI card once the person has attained the age of 20 and obtained a new passport. Application for the same should be made accordingly under Miscellaneous Services.

Procedure for updating New Passport particulars in OCI Cards:

Particulars of new passport, can be updated online under Miscellaneous Services. Latest photograph, passport copy, OCI card and address proof should be uploaded while making application. New Passport particulars are to be updated within three months of receipt of the new passport. The service will be provided on gratis basis (without any fee).

OCI card holders, who belong to the category of Foreign Spouse of an Indian Citizen or OCI Cardholder, are required to upload a copy of the new passport, latest passport size photograph, joint declaration of subsisting of marriage and copy of the Indian passport/OCI of the Indian spouse for updation of new passport particulars.

Re-issue of OCI cards:

OCI cards are re-issued in the following category of cases:

change of personal particulars viz. marital status, name, father's name, date of birth, nationality, address change etc.
loss / damage of the OCI card

Procedure:

OCI Miscellaneous Services can be availed of by applying online and submitting application along with the requisite fee and original documents for verification at Embassy of India, Asmara . Appointment for the visit to Embassy of India, Asmara can be sought through email (conswing.asmara@mea.gov.in )

The process ordinarily takes one month from the receipt of the application, except in the Foreign Spouse category which is based on clearance from relevant authorities in India.