By A Staff Reporter LONDON Nov 24: The Indian High Commission has released new relaxed rules on renewal of OCI on 18th November 2021. The new rules states as below: Renewal is required only once when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age. (Only if OCI was issued before 20 years of age) Old rules to renew the OCI card each time a new passport is issued and after completing 50 years of age scrapped (cancelled). Renewal of OCI is not required for Minor Children on change of passport Renewal of OCI is not required after 50 years of age Renewal of OCI is not required if OCI was issued after 20 years of age Renewal of OCI is not required every time there is a change of passport Renewal of OCI is not required for change of address In case you fall in one of the categories above there is no requirement for you to renew the OCI. You may just upload photo and passport ONLINE on www.ociservices.gov.in. When to Renew?: Renewal of OCI card is required only ONCE after getting new passport after completing 20 years of age (This is for those who obtained OCI before 20 years of age). Renewal of OCI is required in case there is change of name or nationality In all the other cases, OCI cardholders are required to update their current passport information ONLINE using Gratis Service of OCI. Applicants are only required to upload ONLINE a copy of their current passport and Photo on website www.ociservices.gov.in.  Details on how to upload the photo and documents are given below. No fees need to be paid. No form is required to be filled in. No appointment is required. Government has also relaxed condition to carry old passport linked with the OCI card. Now all OCI cardholders can travel to/from India carrying their OCI card and current passport only. But upload your latest photograph and passport as mentioned above on the OCI website. The above guidance is for those how have OCI. Those who do not have or looking to apply for fresh OCI need to make new applications. There are two TYPES of OCI Miscellaneous (Renewal) Services:- 1. Gratis Service (Free) 2. Chargeable • Depending upon reason of using Miscellaneous Service options, system will automatically show option under Gratis or Chargeable Service In case when applicants are applying for Passport Particulars updation after getting new passport after 20 years of age, system automatically reflect that service under Chargeable Category. • For Gratis Services:- o NO FORM NEED TO BE SUBMITTED AT VFS CENTRE. o NO FEE TO BE PAID. o COMPLETELY ONLINE PROCESS. o New details will be updated in the OCI database and OCI Cardholders can travel easily with same OCI card and current Passport. • For Chargeable Service: Application alongwith requisite documents is required to be submitted at VFS centre with prior appointment and payment of Fees. A renewed OCI card will be issued. 7. In case any information is wrong, please refill the form again. 8. In case of any doubt on eligibility, kindly contact: E-mail: inf.london@mea.gov.in/ info.london@hcilondon.in Telephone No. : 00-44 (0) 20 8629 595