OCI Application Mauritius: Eligibility, Documents, Fees & Process

Applying for an OCI Card in Mauritius involves more than completing an online form. Applicants need to establish their eligibility, prepare the correct citizenship and ancestry documents, complete the online OCI application, and follow the current document-submission procedure of the High Commission of India in Mauritius.

This guide explains the OCI application Mauritius process, including eligibility, required documents, application steps, fees, submission, and common mistakes to avoid. Requirements can vary according to the applicant's category, so check the latest official guidance before submitting your application.

Who Can Apply for an OCI Card in Mauritius?

Mauritian citizens with qualifying Indian ancestry can apply for an OCI Card under the special provision introduced for Mauritius. The High Commission of India states that, from 9 March 2024, a special provision was made for Mauritian citizens of Indian origin to obtain OCI registration based on Indian ancestry up to the seventh generation. 

The High Commission identifies several relevant categories for Mauritian applicants:

For an ancestral application, the important issue is not simply stating that the family has Indian roots. The applicant must be able to establish the qualifying lineage with documentary evidence. The High Commission specifically asks ancestral applicants for birth certificates of the applicant and forefathers establishing the lineage to the original immigrant from India, together with relevant ancestor records. 

The Government of India's OCI framework also provides eligibility routes for former Indian citizens, eligible children and certain foreign-origin spouses. 

Documents Required for an OCI Application in Mauritius

The exact document checklist depends on the application category. Applicants should therefore avoid using the same checklist for every OCI application.

For an ancestral OCI application, the High Commission currently lists documents including:

• Current passport with at least six months' validity.
• Applicant's birth certificate.
• Birth certificates of relevant forefathers establishing the Indian lineage.
• Ancestor records obtained from the MGI (Moka) Archives or National Archives of Mauritius.
• Marriage certificate, where applicable.
• Spouse's passport, where applicable.
• Two recent photographs measuring 50 × 50 mm with a white background.

The High Commission states that ancestor documents obtained from the MGI Archives or National Archives should have been issued within the specified validity period. It also states that birth or marriage certificates issued outside Mauritius must be apostilled by the relevant authorities. 

For applicants who previously held an Indian passport, the Government's OCI guidance requires proof of present citizenship and, where applicable, the surrendered/cancelled Indian passport and Surrender Certificate. 

For minors and spouse-based applications, additional documents such as birth certificates, parents' marriage certificates and an Indian passport of a parent may be required depending on the applicant's circumstances. 

Do not assume that a document required for an ancestral application is automatically required for a spouse or minor application. Use the category-specific checklist published for your application.

How to Apply for OCI in Mauritius

The OCI registration application is completed online through the Government of India's OCI Services portal. The portal instructs applicants to first confirm their eligibility, enter information exactly as shown in their current passport, and provide an active email address. 

1. Check Eligibility – Confirm your OCI eligibility based on ancestry, previous Indian citizenship, marriage, or parentage.
2. Register Online – Create an account on the OCI portal and enter your basic details.
3. Fill the Form – Provide your personal, passport, family, and ancestry details.
4. Upload Documents – Upload the required documents, photograph, and signature in the prescribed format.
5. Review & Submit – Check all details carefully and submit the completed application.
6. Submit Originals – Follow the High Commission's instructions for document verification and submission in Mauritius.
7. Pay the Fee – Pay the applicable OCI fee; the current fee for several fresh categories is MUR 12,955.
8. Track & Collect – Track your application and collect the OCI Card after receiving the required notification.

Where Do You Submit an OCI Application in Mauritius?

The High Commission of India in Mauritius provides Mauritius-specific instructions for OCI document submission. Its current general OCI instructions state that applicants should submit the signed application, photographs, and supporting documents at the High Commission in Ebene during the specified working hours.

However, applicants should check the latest category-specific instructions before submission. Some High Commission pages refer to submission through BLS for particular application procedures, so the applicable channel should be confirmed for the applicant's category rather than assumed from an older guide. 

The distinction between the online OCI application and the local document-verification/submission stage is important. Completing the online form does not necessarily mean that the entire application process is finished.

OCI Application Fee in Mauritius

The current High Commission of India page lists MUR 12,955, including surcharge, for several fresh OCI application categories. The published category table also lists separate charges for duplicate and miscellaneous OCI services. 

These amounts are date-sensitive. The High Commission states that the OCI fee is liable to revision on 1 April each year. Verify the applicable fee and payment instructions immediately before submitting your application. 

What Happens After You Submit the Application?

The application proceeds through verification and processing after online submission and the required document-verification stage. The authorities may request additional documents where necessary; the High Commission expressly reserves the right to call for additional documentation. 

Applicants can use the official OCI status enquiry system to check an application using the Application ID and passport number. 

The High Commission confirms when the OCI Card is ready for collection under its Mauritius-specific procedure. 

Common OCI Application Mistakes to Avoid

A few preventable errors can create problems during the application process:

• Using incorrect passport information: Enter details exactly as shown on the current passport.
• Incomplete ancestry evidence: An ancestry application needs documentary evidence establishing the qualifying lineage.
• Missing former-Indian-citizen documents: Applicants who previously held Indian citizenship should check the surrender/citizenship documentation applicable to their case.
• Incorrect photographs: Follow the required size, background, and image specifications. 
• Choosing the wrong application category: Ancestral, spouse, minor, and former-Indian-citizen applications can have different document requirements.
• Using an outdated fee: Confirm the current fee before payment because published fees can change.
• Handwriting corrections after submission: If the online form contains an error, follow the High Commission's instructions to submit a fresh online application rather than altering the submitted form manually. 
• Relying on an old submission procedure: Confirm the current local submission channel before visiting.

Conclusion

The OCI application Mauritius process begins online but requires careful preparation of category-specific documents and compliance with the current Mauritius submission procedure. Mauritian citizens of Indian origin now have a special seventh-generation ancestry provision, while former Indian citizens, spouses and minors may follow different eligibility and documentation routes. 

Before submitting, check your eligibility, verify your ancestry or citizenship documents, use your current passport details, confirm the latest fee and submission instructions, and keep your original documents ready for verification.

If you prefer assistance with preparing your application, a document-review service can help you organize the applicable checklist and identify missing information before submission.