In a twin-track reform unveiled on 18 July, the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that all new Overseas Citizen of India cards will be issued only in digital "e-OCI" format from 8 July onward, and that existing booklet holders can immediately download a secure PDF version from the OCI Services Portal or the ‘Indian Visa Su Swagatam’ mobile app. The same directive—circulated to airports and border-control units—adds e-OCI holders to the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), allowing pre-enrolled cardholders to clear immigration through automated e-gates being installed at 13 major airports. According to officials, the e-gate process takes 30 seconds versus the current 2-3 minutes at a staffed counter. The digitisation drive eliminates the need to replace physical OCI booklets every time the holder’s passport is renewed, cutting costs for both travellers and the Bureau of Immigration. Travellers will be able to store the QR-coded card in digital-wallet apps and present it offline if required. For corporates, digital cards mean less courier risk when moving expatriate staff, while the e-gate tie-in offers predictable connection times for tight domestic–international transfers. Mobility teams should update travel checklists to ensure employees enrol in FTI-TTP before their next trip. Industry groups applauded the change but asked for clarity on whether minors under seven—who are currently barred from FTI-TTP—can use the new e-OCI document for manual ‘priority’ lanes.
Source: The Financial Express
