Overseas Citizen of India services begin at Indian consulate in Auckland
RNZ / Blessen Tom
The Consulate General of India in Auckland has announced that Overseas Citizen of India and visa services are now available.
Introduced in 2005, the OCI scheme allows individuals of Indian origin who have acquired foreign nationality - such as New Zealand citizenship - to retain certain privileges in India after surrendering their nationality of birth.
Such privileges include a lifelong, multiple-entry visa to India, exemption from registration with Foreign Regional Registration Officers and parity with Non-Resident Indians in economic, financial and educational matters.
OCI cardholders can also purchase residential and commercial property in India, although the procurement of agricultural land is not permitted.
"All visa applicants may now apply for Indian regular paper/sticker visas from the Consulate General of India [in] Auckland," the consulate said in a statement.
OCI service seekers can apply for new OCI registration or renewal through the official
OCI services website
.
Application fees can be paid either by debit card at the consulate or via bank transfer.
The Indian Consulate in Auckland officially began offering consular services to the Indian diaspora in September 2024.
In February 2025, it moved from temporary premises at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Eden Terrace to a permanent location in Auckland's city centre.
Last month, Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand Neeta Bhushan dismissed social media criticism regarding delays in consular services offered by the Indian High Commission in Wellington as well as the Auckland consulate.
The Auckland consulate currently offers a range of services, including passport renewals, Indian citizenship matters, document attestation, police clearance certificates, birth and death registrations, liquor permits and Non-Resident Indian certificates.
It also facilitates the repatriation of deceased individuals' remains or ashes to India.
The consulate's jurisdiction covers Auckland, Northland and Waikato.
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