India Dual Citizenship Mega Thread (Merged)

[mangal969]

Basis,
I dont know exactly but i think OCI's that return will be in the NRI category unless they join there at a pre HSC level (12th grade).The NRI quota is not that competitive-there are many seats to go around.You may if at all find competition in the NRI quota is at the premiere institutions.
A general rule of thumb for the professional courses-the fee is 5 times the open category fees.

 

[mangal969]

PIO1,
Following your advice I 'fused' your passport cancellation post into my app post,put some links there and with brutal honesty deleted some posts.Check out the thread now.
Please delete your passport cancellation post.

Can i please ask basis to:
1.Delete the registration thread except for the links.Registration is not really an OCI related topic but we can leave the links for someone to look up.

2.Delete the thread with links to other forums-I went through them and no one is as 'advanced' as ours

If anyone else has any other data to put up please do so yourself.But please keep it concise and relevant.If someone has entered incorrect or outdated data or you have a relevant link please send it to whoever posted it and we'll get it corrected.

 

[PIO1]

PIO1,
Following your advice I 'fused' your passport cancellation post into my app post,put some links there and with brutal honesty deleted some posts.Check out the thread now.
Please delete your passport cancellation post.

Can i please ask basis to:
1.Delete the registration thread except for the links.Registration is not really an OCI related topic but we can leave the links for someone to look up.

2.Delete the thread with links to other forums-I went through them and no one is as 'advanced' as ours

If anyone else has any other data to put up please do so yourself.But please keep it concise and relevant.If someone has entered incorrect or outdated data or you have a relevant link please send it to whoever posted it and we'll get it corrected.

I personally think registration is good - it is one of the big issues (rights of OCI)

 

[SDQmer]

Any updates fm CGISF

Hi,

Looks like CGISF has approved more cases, as of May 2nd 2006. Ours didnot show up and still MHA website is giving status as: File number yet to register with concern Mission. I applied in rd wek of Feb 2006. Anybody in same boat?

 

[PIO1]

I personally think registration is good - it is one of the big issues (rights of OCI)

I have removed passport cancellation. Re the other forums, the R2I one provides excellent stuff not so much on OCI but more on how to return to India, jobs, apartments, education etc. The OCI is light on but a good pointer for those who want to go back to India. I agree, IMHO this is the best forum on OCI on the net.

 

[lcauser]

Hi,

Looks like CGISF has approved more cases, as of May 2nd 2006. Ours didnot show up and still MHA website is giving status as: File number yet to register with concern Mission. I applied in rd wek of Feb 2006. Anybody in same boat?

I would recommend that you email CGISF. I had mailed my daughter's application on March 02 06. I emailed CGISF requesting for status and I received an response from them stating that the photos of the applicant was overexposed and they wanted a new set of pics. Also, my bank did confirm that the Cashier's check has been encashed by CGISF during the past week.

The online status still says "File number yet to register.... "

 

[dad22]

I applied to CGISF on March 14th and today it shows our apps as "Under process" on the mha website.

Based on the file numbers, our case seems to be about 450 apps behind the last one showing as granted on the cgisf website

 

[Indian4]

No wonder the process was slow and stupid - New Zealand

Envoy wages war against Indian Government
Venkat Raman

Embattled Indian high commissioner Harish Kumar Dogra has gone to war against his government in New Delhi and in particular the Indian foreign secretary Shyam Saran, accusing him of impropriety and contravening human rights.

He said he would not quit his post here unless the Indian government told him why he has been recalled.

In an eight-page copious letter, received by Indian Newslink last night, he challenged the authority of Mr Saran in recalling him to New Delhi, saying he was ready to face any inquiry.

He also demanded that the foreign secretary, who heads the external affairs ministry, to resign from his post.

A defiant Mr Dogra accused Mr Saran of ‘violating the very basic principle of natural justice in decision-making in such a serious matter.’

Diplomats are governed by Indian Foreign Service (IFS) rules and are required to observe discretion and confidentiality in dealing with matters relating to their government.

They are also required to exchange coded messages on potentially sensitive issues.

But Mr Dogra chose open correspondence with Mr Saran (and therefore the Indian government) saying the external affairs ministry under the latter’s leadership has been releasing driblets one-sided slander, innuendo and misleading information to the Indian media.
But he did not say what that misleading information was.

“You have played with my integrity and my honour by these innuendo and slander through gossip leaks. Fairness demands that either you prove your charges or submit your resignation,” Mr Dogra said.

Throughout his letter, he accused Mr Saran of taking ‘ill-advised and illegal actions’ and took comfort in the distance maintained by his host government.

New Zealand’s foreign ministry has been silent on the issue, refusing to comment on Mr Dogra’s recall. A spokesman for foreign minister Winston Peters said “New Zealand did not have anything to do with the Indian government’s decision to recall its high commissioner in Wellington.”

But host governments generally maintain such diplomatic silence, for fear of damaging bilateral relations, which does not tantamount to supporting the individual concerned.

Mr Dogra claimed he had ‘strong support’ from the Indian community in general and the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA) in particular, which had issued a press release showering praises on him (see our April 1, 2006 issue).

The situation has become extraordinary with the outgoing high commissioner training his guns on the Indian foreign secretary and accusing him of issuing ‘threats through former retired colleagues.’

“You have made India a laughing stock in this part of the world. You have not only humiliated me but brought shame on this country,” he said.
An external affairs ministry official comment could not be obtained from New Delhi last night, since government offices in India were closed on account of Mahavir Jayanthi.

But a well informed source said Mr Dogra had already caused irreparable damage to his country and government with his outbursts and undiplomatic behaviour.

Early this month, his wife Neeta returned her diplomatic passport to the high commission and demanded an ordinary passport.

Mr and Mrs Dogra were due to leave New Zealand on April 15 but the source in New Delhi said he would not be surprised if Mr Dogra cancelled his departure and stay on to fight.

“It is most unfortunate that such a situation has arisen and there is every sign of the matter getting out of hand. At some stage the New Zealand government would have to intervene,” he said.

 

[Indian4]

Believe it or not this guy is still in New Zealand yup his wife toooooooooooo

Deport the offending envoy

Congratulations to Indian Newslink for being the first in exposing Harish Kumar Dogra. Every newspaper and news channel in India has been quoting your story on the man. Keep up the good work and oh, I hope your government there takes appropriate action to send that offending officer home.

Vashisht Desai, Parel, Mumbai, India

Why does the Indian government send such arrogant, recalcitrant diplomats? We have more than enough talent in this country. He must be brought home and prosecuted.

N K Pande, Nehru Place, New Delhi, India

India has become a laughing stock in the Big Apple and Dogra is the only topic discussed during the lunch hour- and my lunch has never tasted so bad! This man must be thrown out of New Zealand immediately. I look forward to reading your story in the next issue.

Amit Gokhale, Times Square, New York City, US

We had a weekend out for the Easter break and the first topic of discussion was Mr Dogra, who was sacked by the Indian government. We regularly read the web edition of your newspaper and hence we are fully apprised of the man and his deeds.

He has damaged the reputation of our motherland and the Indian community in New Zealand should pressurise the government to deport him.

We eagerly await your next issue.

KP Subramaniam, Muthukumar S and Pramodh Srivastav, New Jersey, US

What a great little newspaper Indian Newslink has turned out to be! Your newspaper has grown in stature and your courageous disposition is much appreciated. Keep up the good work and by the way, send that man back.

Abdul Jabbar Al Jamil, Auckland

Harish Kumar Dogra is a disgrace to the community and a great country like India. He must be deported under police escort if he does not budge.

Parmeshwar Nair, Auckland

It has now become a delicate issue and embarrassed all of us and done a tremendous damage for the reputation of Indian community in NZ and the Indian government.

Harish Patel, Strathmore, Wellington

This man came with his bag and now he must go back with it. He cannot defy his government’s order. He must go.

Naginbhai (Neil) Patel, Wellington, on Larry Williams show on April 14

Mr Dogra must return to India and sort out the issues that he may have with the government in New Delhi.

Ashokbhai Darji, on TV One News

I used to support the former Indian High Commissioner, thinking that you guys were just after sensational news. But watching his behaviour the past ten days, I have not only revised my opinion but also ashamed that I was on his side.

I am sure he will not go on his own; he must be sent out.

Name and address withheld

Congratulations, for persisting with your campaign against a repulsive man and his equally repulsive wife. She is equally guilty and must go.

S H Kaur, Jasbinder Singh, Rana R M and five others, Auckland and Tauranga

I am not from the Indian community but a number of people of Indian origin work with me and I have immense respect for them. I have been to India many times and love that great country and its tradition.

It is extremely unfortunate that we in New Zealand have been given a high commissioner who has no respect for his government or people.

RKJ, Auckland

If such is his arrogance and disrespect for the government of India after being recalled, I can imagine how he would have behaved when he was in office. The stand of Indian Newslink is sufficiently vindicated. We are proud of you.

Ramesh H and Pitamber Raja, Wellington

Editor’s Note: The disgraced diplomat prompted a widespread reaction and Indian Newslink received more than 350 letters from all over the world. We could not obviously publish all of them but thanks.

 

[ASGK]

After the money order is cashed,

Could someone please tell me how long it will take for the fild number to appear???-- It's showing "file number yet to register in concern mission" right now, but my bank says the money orders have been cashed otherwise they don't show up on their screen at the bank!!!!!-- So, could this be true???

Thanks,

 

[ASGK]

Also,

Is there any specific way that the ref. #s are processed, i.e. if a ref. # is 633606 will it be processed earlier than 644606 from the same consulate???/

Thanks,

 

[SDQmer]

I applied to CGISF on March 14th and today it shows our apps as "Under process" on the mha website.
Based on the file numbers, our case seems to be about 450 apps behind the last one showing as granted on the cgisf website

Our status did not change yet. I send couple of emails checking what is going on.But no reponse (not even automated reply, which I used to get earlier).

 

[gotia]

Gaurav,

I know you dealt with and still dealing with CGI Houston. I'm troubled too with their competancy of answering the phones and returning the phone calls.

My dad has LPR Interview on 5/18 and have mailed his PP for renewal on 4/5, they received it on 4/7 along with our OCI apps. Of course I'm not worried about OCI right now as I know it won't happen before 6/1 (kids travelling date). We'll be waiting until August or September to collect the OCIs even if they are ready.

Coming back to my problem, website claims PP renewal takes about 2 weeks. called several times, got hold of someone once, she said three weeks. Not to let go of my case, on Friday (exactly end of 3rd week), I kept calling their main switchboard, whenver I was able to get thru, I tried some of their extension numbers randomly like 33, 34, 35, 36 etc so that I can speak to LIVE (and alive) human being.

My patience paid off, his name is Rajeev xtn 36, he said they cleared huge set of PPs and in a day or two we'll be receiving it even without looking up for names. At least he was nice on phone and took my number so that he can call me back once he verifies the info about my dad's app.

Of course, I didn't bet on it much based on ur experience and I stopped waiting for his call, called yesterday again. Couldn't get him. Got to the lady whom I spoke to earlier and told her its been 3 weeks, she checked her mailing list and said his Pp hasn't been sent out today. When I asked her when can I expect it she said it takes about 4 to 5 weeks. Donno what to believe and not to.

Did you come across any LIVE and alive person in that office who might sympathize with poor Indian souls? Name and number would be of great help.

The lady whom I spoke to has no minimum courtesy. She doesn't even let me finish what I'm going to ask for. Once as soon as I said PP, she immediately transferred me to the PP line which will never be picked up by anyone similar to OCI Line. Hence Rajeev was nice at least he didn't cut me off. I left messages on every voicemail (which are usually permanently full). It's a waiting game now and stressing me out for being stupid to send the PP for renewal this close even after knowing the competancy of the CGI Houston.

If anyone has any clue about what I shud do, pls lemme know. Thanks in advance.

Oh! back in December, my mum's PP took about two weeks though they claimed three weeks. This worries me too, is his appln is being processed or lost in their table scrapes and leftover food.

 

[SDQmer]

I would recommend that you email CGISF. I had mailed my daughter's application on March 02 06. I emailed CGISF requesting for status and I received an response from them stating that the photos of the applicant was overexposed and they wanted a new set of pics. Also, my bank did confirm that the Cashier's check has been encashed by CGISF during the past week.
The online status still says "File number yet to register.... "

I sent couple of emails and no reply from CGISF (not even automated reply).BTW:I send money order, anybody know how to track the money orders..

 

[SDQmer]

Is there any specific way that the ref. #s are processed, i.e. if a ref. # is 633606 will it be processed earlier than 644606 from the same consulate???/

Thanks,

Could be.It is happening in my case, as our numbers are in 529xxx.

 

[SDQmer]

Could someone please tell me how long it will take for the fild number to appear???-- It's showing "file number yet to register in concern mission" right now, but my bank says the money orders have been cashed otherwise they don't show up on their screen at the bank!!!!!-- So, could this be true???

Thanks,

IS IT POSTAL MOENY ORDER or Bank chashiers check? How to find the status on postal money order from USPS.

 

[ASGK]

Sd...

It's a bank cashier's check, and I have the receipt of it being delivered too. But, my question is, the bank says it was cashed, can't exactly say when, but, I want to know after how long the check is cashed by MHA, etc.. will the system show the status change?????/
Thanks,

 

[SDQmer]

It's a bank cashier's check, and I have the receipt of it being delivered too. But, my question is, the bank says it was cashed, can't exactly say when, but, I want to know after how long the check is cashed by MHA, etc.. will the system show the status change?????/
Thanks,

Since it is bankers check, ur bank knows how,when and by whom it is cashed. Since your money is taken, I would presume that there is some activity going on your case, and if everything goes well it might be matter of weeks

 

[mangal969]

Anyone have the contact info to CGINY's OCI cell ? They havent returned my passports yet and it's been about 3 weeks now.They have disconnected the phone and fax nos do not reply to e-mail and trying to contact them through the general nos hasnt helped much.

I am just waiting as the glimmer is i will NEVER have to deal with CGINY ever again !

 

[mpotturi]

Separate forum for OCI issues

This may not be a big deal but I just requested for a separate forum for OCI related issues and it is in the process of execution. Henceforth all the OCI related issues can be discussed in that forum.