The Centre has allowed full online processing of Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards after a change in the Citizenship Act, 1955, according to a notification released by the Union home ministry on Thursday.
As per the notification in the gazette, all OCI application processes such as registration, inclusion, and renunciation will be done online using the portal. Requests can be made through the prescribed website, ociservices.gov.in.
Also Read | South Korea waives group visa fees for Indian travellers till June 2027
The development was reported by TNN.
Digital process replaces paperwork
Under the revised rules, applications for registration as an OCI cardholder under Section 7A must be submitted electronically in the prescribed format.
The new system removes the earlier requirement of submitting duplicate certificates, streamlining the process for applicants.
Authorities will issue OCI cards either in physical form or as an electronic e-OCI registration, and will maintain records of cardholders digitally.
Rules for minors, renunciation clarified
The amendment also introduces provisions for the inclusion of minors as OCI cardholders, with specific conditions.
A declaration must confirm that the minor does not hold a passport of another country while also holding an Indian passport. Consent is also required for sharing biometric data for registration under the Fast Track Immigration Programme.
For renunciation, applicants must submit declarations online to Indian missions, posts, or Foreigners Regional Registration Officers. Those holding physical OCI cards will be required to surrender the original document upon cancellation, after which an acknowledgement will be issued.
Also Read | Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 registrations open: Here’s what pilgrims need to know
Provision for review of applications
The new rules also outline a mechanism for review. Applications seeking revision of decisions will be handled by an authority one rank higher than the original approving authority.
Additionally, in cases related to citizenship by naturalisation under Section 15A, the central government will review applications after giving the applicant an opportunity to present their case.
