NEW DELHI: The Union Home Ministry on Thursday notified amendments to the Citizenship Act, introducing an online application system for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards.
According to The Times of India , the digital process will now apply to both inclusion and renunciation applications related to OCI status.
Under the amended rules, all OCI-related applications will now be submitted electronically through the official portal — OCI Services Portal.
The revised rules also include provisions regarding minors applying for OCI status. As per the notification, minors can now be included as OCI cardholders, but with a specific condition.
"The minor cannot at any time hold passport of any other country while also holding Indian passport," the amended rule stated.
According to TOI, the government has simplified the application procedure by reducing documentation requirements and removing the earlier need for duplicate certificates.
"An application for registration as an OCI cardholder under section 7A shall be made in Form XXVIII electronically on the designated online portal," the gazette notification said.
Individuals registered as OCI cardholders will now receive either a physical OCI card or an electronic e-OCI registration containing their details. The authorities will also maintain electronic records of all OCI registrations.
TOI reported that the amended rules additionally streamline the renunciation process for OCI holders. A declaration for renunciation of OCI status will now also be submitted electronically using Form XXXI through the designated portal to Indian Missions, Posts, or Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRROs).
In cases where a physical OCI card has been issued, the original card must be surrendered to the concerned authorities, who will then provide an acknowledgment receipt.
The notification further stated that once an OCI registration is cancelled, the individual concerned must return the original OCI card.
The new rules also provide clarity regarding review applications and appeals related to citizenship decisions.
"If an application for revision is made...by a person aggrieved by an order made by an authority with reference to his application, the application shall be disposed of by an authority one rank higher than the authority specified for disposal of the application for citizenship," the notification stated.
According to TOI, for minors applying under the OCI category, parents or guardians must submit a declaration confirming that the child does not simultaneously hold the passport of another country along with an Indian passport.
Applicants will also be required to provide consent allowing the government to "share biometric information that will be captured for registration as an OCI cardholder for the purpose of registration under the 'Fast Track Immigration Programme' whenever an application is submitted."
The Centre has also introduced another important provision regarding citizenship by naturalisation under Section 15A.
"If an application is made by a person for review under Section 15A, (grant of citizenship by naturalisation), the application for review shall be disposed of by the central govt after giving a reasonable opportunity to the person affected to present his case," the new rule said.
According to TOI, the latest amendments are aimed at simplifying citizenship-related procedures, improving digital accessibility, and strengthening administrative transparency in the OCI registration and citizenship review process.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment