OCI Cards Can Now Be Applied for Online
NEW DELHI: The Union Home Ministry announced an important update on Thursday regarding the Citizenship Act, which now allows individuals to apply for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards online. This change applies to both new applications and renunciations.
All applications can be submitted electronically via the official portal, making the process simpler for users. The updated rules also include provisions for minor applicants; however, it is required that a minor cannot hold passports from any country other than India while possessing an Indian passport.
According to a recent gazette notification, applications for OCI registration must be completed in a specific online format. Applicants are no longer required to provide duplicate certificates, which streamlines the process further. Those registered as OCI cardholders will receive either a physical OCI card or an electronic e-OCI registration that contains their information. The authorities will keep a digital record of these registrations.
In cases where a person wishes to renounce their OCI card, they will need to complete a declaration online through designated Indian missions or with Foreigners Regional Registration Officers. If the OCI was issued physically, the card must be returned to the authorities, who will then provide an acknowledgment of its receipt.
The new regulations state that individuals dissatisfied with decisions related to their applications for citizenship can appeal to a higher authority for review.
For minors, there will be a requirement for a declaration stating that the child does not hold any foreign passport while having an Indian passport. Additionally, parents must consent to share biometric information during the registration process as part of the ‘Fast Track Immigration Programme.’
The government has also introduced a new rule allowing individuals to review the decision on citizenship applications. This means that those seeking a review will have the chance to present their case to the central government.
This new online process aims to make obtaining OCI cards easier and more efficient for applicants.
