REVAMPED OCI PORTAL
Why in News
- The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, launched the revamped Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Portal in New Delhi on 19th May 2025.
- The new portal aims to improve user experience for over 5 million OCI cardholders worldwide, incorporating advanced features, security upgrades, and streamlined application processes.
- This launch aligns with India’s ongoing efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to offer world-class immigration and digital governance services to the Indian diaspora.
ABOUT OCI SCHEME
- Introduced through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955 in August 2005.
- Provides a form of long-term visa and residency for eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin.
Eligibility for OCI Card
A foreign national may register as an OCI if they:
- Were a citizen of India on or after 26 January 1950
- Were eligible to become a citizen of India on that date
- Belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15 August 1947
- Are the child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of such a citizen
- Are a minor child of such persons or where one/both parents are Indian citizens
- Are a spouse of Indian citizen/OCI holder (marriage sustained for at least 2 years)
Ineligibility: Citizens or descendants of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other country notified by the Government of India.
BENEFITS OF OCI
- Lifelong multiple-entry visa to India
- No need to register with FRRO, regardless of duration of stay
- Parity with NRIs in:
- Financial, educational, and economic fields
- Domestic airfares, entry fees at national parks
- Inter-country adoption procedures
- Can pursue professions like doctors, advocates, and CAs (subject to laws/tests)
LIMITATIONS OF OCI
OCI is not dual citizenship. OCI cardholders:
- Cannot vote, contest elections, or hold constitutional/government post
- Need special permission for:
- Journalism, missionary work, mountaineering
- Visiting Protected/Restricted Areas (PAP/RAP)
REVAMPED OCI PORTAL
Key Functional Features
- Auto-filled application forms
- User dashboards to track application status
- Integrated payment system
- Real-time eligibility guidance
- Image cropping tools and document categorization
- Edit before final submission
RENUNCIATION & CANCELLATION
Renunciation:
- Voluntary by cardholder (full age/capacity)
- Automatically extends to minor children
Cancellation Grounds:
- Fraud/misrepresentation in application
- Anti-India activity, wartime collaboration with enemies
- Imprisonment ≥2 years within 5 years of registration
- Threat to national security, sovereignty, or foreign relations
SIGNIFICANCE
- Enhances diaspora engagement
- Reflects e-governance under Digital India
- Encourages transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in public services.
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