Outlook Business Desk
The Government of India has updated its citizenship framework for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, introducing a more structured, digital-first system aimed at reducing paperwork and bringing greater clarity to registration, cancellation and renunciation processes.
The amendments formally include practices earlier followed informally, improving transparency and helping applicants better understand procedures, documentation and outcomes across OCI processes.
The government has moved OCI processes fully online, removing the earlier mix of digital and physical submissions. Applications, records and approvals will now be handled electronically, making the system more efficient and easier to manage.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said OCI registration applications must now be submitted online through a designated portal. It added that authorities may issue either a physical card or an electronic OCI version, with all records maintained digitally.
The updated rules clearly state that a minor cannot hold a foreign passport while also holding an Indian passport. This restriction existed earlier in practice but is now formally included in the Citizenship Rules for better clarity.
Applicants can now renounce OCI status through an online system, replacing manual procedures. The process includes electronic submission, digital acknowledgement, and removal from records, with any issued physical card required to be returned.
The amendments state that cancelled OCI cards must be surrendered or will be treated as invalid, ensuring clearer handling of cancellations and better tracking through updated digital records.
The new rules set a structured review process where a higher authority handles appeals. Officials must give individuals a fair opportunity to present their case, improving transparency and accountability in OCI-related decisions.
Applicants must consent to the use of biometric data for fast-track immigration programmes. The rules also remove outdated steps like duplicate submissions, reflecting a move towards a more streamlined digital system and stronger administrative oversight.