Submitted OCI today. Experience shared for benefit of others;
Reached at 6.30AM to find two parallel queues with about 15 people lined up in each.(To the right of the Entrance door)
On the opposite side there was a single queue at the windows for OCI collection (To the left of the entrance Door)
It started drizzling first , windy and chill. Then full downpore. There was movement within the embassy but they do not let you in until 8.30 sharp, rain or flood you are like goats at the mercy of the elements.
At 8.30 sharp the Left side queue which is for visa applications was let in. Followed by the OCI applicants The Right Side Queue. Given that about 50 of the visa applicants already went in, there was a scamper and scarcity of seats.
At the entrance, they ask to see the folder and to open the bags for security check and hand over a token. You go downstairs to the counters.
Indians are unique wherever they go. There was an entire row of chairs ''reserved'' with handkeys and newspapers for folks coming shortly (I mean ones standing way behind in the OCI queue for whom their friends ahead had reserved seats). I did not want to make an issue and so found myself a seat in a back row. Considering that many were sitting on the floor this was a plus.
Inbetween there was a fish market announcement,'' Those of you who want to take photocopies, please go now and we only accept cash so go to withdraw now''.
What they dont tell you is that if you do not give them exact 175GBP the fees they wont return the change. Luckily I met a bunny in the queue who was making a second trip who warned me before hand. And whilst in the queue there are people asking for two fives please etc.
The counters finally opened at 9.30. Counter numbers 1,4 and 5 were for OCI, Counter 1 is not linked to the computer and so does not appear on the service panel. They announced numbers 405 to 410 please go to counter 1 and please follow the announcements.
The whole thing happened quickly. Was out in about 15 mins . They ask to see the Original Cancellation Certificate. Give you a printed receipt. Strangely the lady in the counter says ''Check online after 6 weeks'' when their website says for in person applications the processing should be completed in 4 weeks.
For those going to collect their OCI again it is a pain in the butt
You need to go there and submit your passport along with a printout of the Online status check plus the Paper receipt they gave. You then have to return in the noon, which means your whole days is a goner.
India they say is making strides in IT. Why cant they introduce an online booking system with specific slots?
It got very crowded by 8.30AM. You could feel the heat in the room and lack of air.
Good Luck to those of you who plan to make a trip. For People from Milton Keynes, Bedford, Harpenden, St Albans the best way to go is to Catch the trains going to City Thames Link. This is the stop after Farringdon and not the West Hampstead Thameslink which is before Kentish Town.
Once you get off at City Thames link you go up an escalator and as you come out of the station, you turn left and immedately reach a cross junction. Cross that and keep going straight and in about 600 metres you will find the Indian Embassy on the Right hand side behind the Inland Revenue Service.
cheers
vr
PS: Amidst all this ruckus there was an ongoing protest by Gay Rights activists against an Indian Court Ruling making it a criminal offence.
