OCI Application: 02 March 2013 (Postal to London)
Royal mail tracking confirmed delivery on : 05 March 2013.
After a long wait... and a number of emails, I was informed on 23April2013 that my application was received at the embassy but misplaced (lost with in) I was asked to come in person to re-submit, which I did on 25 April 2013 (Note that I had to prepare all documentation
again)
OCI acknowledgement :25 April 2013
OCI Documents Scanned : 06 May 2013
OCI granted : 15 May 2013
OCI documents printed : 16 May 2013
OCI dispatched from Delhi : 20 May 2013
OCI documents Recd London : 23 MAY 2013
OCI card and U Visa collected : 27 MAY 2013.
After the re-submission everything went pretty smooth. I shouldnt have applied by Post in the first place. Anyway I have learnt my lessons. I have lost atleast 200 pounds (the postal order fees, additional travel etc) on top of a
day-off and
8 weeks due to thier negligence.
Also unfortunately our grandfather passed away on 08May13. They cannot expedite the application and will not provide any help with urgent visa even if it is their mistake in the first place. Had they not misplaced my application, we would have been able to attend his last rituals. I am exteremly frustrated by the way they are working. Now that I got my OCI... I am making my arrangements for the travel to India.
I would appreciate if some one could provide thoughts on how and whom to lodge a formal complaint.
If you are unsure whether to Post or to go in person, My suggestion would be to apply in person. I think the 'inconvinience for one day' is worth it from my experience. You will atleast know then that your application is with them and is acknowledged.
I have had a conversation with one of the staff during collection. He mentioned, I am not the only one who had gone through this. Apparantely misplacement of applications happens very regularly.
I have now done with the process. Thanks Manish etc for your kind replies. I wish good luck for everyone in the process.
Kind regards,
Venga_pal