-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | | Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
This info mainly valid for Goans/Indians in UK. UK officially started accepting applications for OIC or dual citizenshp as from 9/1/06 (from yesterday). Just because the OIC counter opens at 10am, dont try to be there just before 10 Only limited tokens are issued (25 only) so be there early morning. We arrived there at 8.45am and stayed in the Q out in the cold for 45 minutes and my token No. was 13 (unlucky for some) The make shift counter (prev. SBI entension Counter) was to open at 10am but it opened at typical Indian Time 10 minutes later. It takes average 10-15 minutes per application (family) or 5mins per individual. I was out by 12pm. Currently, every thing is done manually - there was just a empty desk with small cash box. No Computers yet. You get manual receipt too. It has the same Q as for 'other passport services' For Visas, separate Q. They dont supply forms there. One has to obtain from Internet see link below. You can download it in two ways - 1. Applying on line part I and the part II will follow automatically thru your printer. If you dont have printer, then dont use this option because there is no facility to save and print later. 2. You could down load using the other option pdf formats. Fees: £165 per person Family of 4 can have one common form but Part I should be 4 (one from each person) Also add Travel card 1-4 zones £8.40 day card. 8 photos from 'photo-me' machine £7 There is one photo booth at the embassy not out of order. Note: You require in all 8 photos 35x35 size 2 on applications (as submitted in duplicate) and 6 in an envolope. Proof of Indian Origin: They prefer your old Indian passport or parent's. I had none, but I had my Inian Birth Certificate, they were not willing to take it as a proof but finally I managed to convince them and said I am willing to take chances. They I Asked what is the next option for me their reply was 'you cant have it' i.e. No proof no dual citizenship. I said to myself, perhaps, these monkeys need bit of a training. Each document copy need to be self attested (pl do it before hand and save time) Dont take too many copies of your passport by photocoping each and every page of your passport. Imagine how thick booklet it will be when you take up to four family members together. I submitted just one first page, copy of my BI , Resident Permit & Goan birth certificate- thank God I had it but it was 10 months old, hope they don't make any issue out of it (as such cetificate normally valid for 6 months in India). Before going there just check this link/website just incase if there are any further changes or updates. http://hcilondon.net/Overseas-Indian-Citizenship/indexnew.html Any further questions ? Pl ask and always remember, I LOVE TO HELP YOU Register on line here if printer attached to your PC http://ociindia.nic.in/ociindia/OnlineOCIRegistrationG.jsp No printer ? then use this link http://www.mha.nic.in/oci/OCIForm.pdf ===================================================== Need help in form filling ?? Come to me I am sitting just outside the office as 'official form filler' Charges £5 or Rs.500. Another side business ham !! :) ===================================================== I only charge £5 but some Goemkar were bargaining saying 'KITEM RE GOEMKARAKUI PANCH POUNDU?' Don't have change ? Dont worry, I can provide Charges £4 for £3.50 (for photo machine etc) Remember, while in the Q out in the cold, it may remind you of our typical India 'GOROM GOROM CHAI-WALA' That is also privided for you for £1. How would your recognise JoeGoaUk ? Well, the one with bluish colour collar t-shirt, Jeans pant, base ball cap, sandals, facial hair - Then it must be him. Finally, it is advisable to be self sufficient (take enough change or self reliant(take your own stappler/ Pens/Scissors to cut photos etc) and not to depend on others too much specially 'JoeGoaUk' because the name itself could be a fictitious one. [EMAIL PROTECTED] for Goa & NRI related info... http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/GOAN-NRI/ for Goa & Goa Flights info.. http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/LetsGotoGoa For info on Konkani VCDs etc ___________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Messenger - NEW crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
