OCI applied 14th Oct- original not received back yet, worried

[situk]

Applied for family OCI (2+2) on 14th Oct 2021.
Application accepted at VFS + original surrender cert and British passport taken.
Provided 2 royal mail envelop for each application.
On Online status, CGI Birmingham acknowledged and the application is in process.

However, I have not received original back yet. Its 28th oct now. Getting really worried.
Emailed to CGI Birmingham, no response yet.
Emailed to VFSHelpline, said its in process cant give other information, standard reply and asked to contact CGI Birmingham.

I am clueless about what to do? Phone numbers on the website but no one replying/picking up.
I seen other posts where people get original back within few days or maximum a week or two.

Can anyone help me please, whom to contact or any advise for me.
As always, appreciate help of the board members.
Thanks

[situk]

Please help, what to do or if anyone had a similar issue.
No reply of emails for CGI Birmingham.

[rainbowbutterfly]

Hi

I suppose you have tried all the options available; probably that's why you didn't get a response here. I would strongly recommend you to call CGI Birmingham (at least keep trying till they pick) preferably between 9:30amd till 10:30am. They do pick calls during this time, per my experience.

Have you tried mailing oci.birmingham@mea.gov.in

Alternately, if reaching out to CGI does not work, call HCI London and ask how to escalate it. I'm sure you will get help in one of these options.

Thanks

[situk]

Thank you very much rainbowbutterfly for the guidance.
Tried calling, no one picking up. Good suggestions, will try from 9:30.

Mailed on cons1.birmingham@mea.gov.in and oci.birmingham@mea.gov.in, also followed up, no reply. Whole family (4 members) original documents (which includes British passport and surrender cert).

Never tried to call HCI London, will do if not able to get any response from anywhere.

Appreciate your time for suggestions.
I will update here, whatever the outcome, (hope positive)
Thanks

[situk]

sorry, but in your experience, you know what was the tel number of CGI Birmingham.

I am trying as mentioned on website. Tried many many times now.
0044 - 07405158288 (mobile, always get message, voice mail is full)
0121 236 1556 (line busy)
0121 212 0467 (no one pickup)

[dontringthebell]

sorry, but in your experience, you know what was the tel number of CGI Birmingham.

I am trying as mentioned on website. Tried many many times now.
0044 - 07405158288 (mobile, always get message, voice mail is full)
0121 236 1556 (line busy)
0121 212 0467 (no one pickup)
Try this number on whatsapp +44-(0)-74245 45269

[dontringthebell]

sorry, but in your experience, you know what was the tel number of CGI Birmingham.

I am trying as mentioned on website. Tried many many times now.
0044 - 07405158288 (mobile, always get message, voice mail is full)
0121 236 1556 (line busy)
0121 212 0467 (no one pickup)

Write to this address with URGENT/ Distressed in subject line. cg.birmingham@mea.gov.in, Dr. Shashank Vikram.

[rainbowbutterfly]

Hi situk

Did you manage to reach out the CGI Birmingham? I hope you have received your documents safely by now.

Thanks

[situk]

First of all, thank you to all whoever replied and provided inputs.
I got my original docs now.
Here whats happened.
After I posted, I kept trying number and also same email address of CGI Birmingham.
Finally got reply from "oci.birmingham@mea.gov.in"
Person at other side was kind and told me "The original documents are returned to VFS the very next day", VFS supposed to send me.
I replied with concern, he/she immediately replied said, he/she will forward my email to VFS and told me if possible to go VFS office personally and raise concern, they should have my docs.
I was worried, but at least I know it was VFS who should have my docs, sent them email but no replies. Finally went to Twitter and tagged @vfsglobalcare and asked for help.

Dont know what happened, within next day I got my original docs

I hope this helps.