Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card Briefing by GOPIO Malaysia

On 20th March 2024, GOPIO Malaysia hosted a webinar titled *”The OCI Card Briefing”* via Zoom, chaired and moderated by its Secretary General, Mr. Sashidharan Santhesegaran.

Attended by more than 100 participants, the session featured GOPIO’s OCI Card Programme Coordinator, Mr. Maniventhan, and Ms. Loga Devi, along with other expert OCI consultants. These speakers provided detailed insights into the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, including its eligibility criteria, application requirements, and long-term advantages.

The webinar aimed to bridge the gap between the Indian diaspora and their ancestral homeland by highlighting the unique privileges of the OCI status, such as long-term residency, employment rights, and access to economic and educational opportunities in India. The event also addressed procedural updates and clarified common concerns.

A distinctive feature of the session was the sharing of personal anecdotes by attendees, offering real-life perspectives on the application process. This interactive exchange enhanced the session’s value by providing practical insights and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

The event concluded with plans for follow-up sessions to address specific concerns and provide tailored guidance for participants needing further assistance. This initiative reinforced GOPIO Malaysia’s commitment to serving the diaspora by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to navigate the OCI application process effectively, thereby strengthening their ties to India and their cultural heritage.