The Union home ministry on Thursday notified an amendment to the Citizenship Act, enabling online applications for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards. The digital application process covers both inclusion and renunciation of OCI status.
Online Application Process
All applications must be submitted electronically through the official portal https://ociservices.gov.in. The amended rule specifies that applications for registration as an OCI cardholder under Section 7A shall be made in Form XXVIII via the designated online portal. There is no longer a requirement to provide duplicate certificates as in the past.
Provisions for Minors
The amendment allows for the inclusion of minors as OCI cardholders. However, a minor cannot hold a passport of any other country while also holding an Indian passport. The OCI cardholder for a minor must make a declaration confirming that the child does not hold any other country's passport alongside the Indian passport. Consent must also be provided to share biometric information for registration under the Fast Track Immigration Programme when an application is submitted.
Issuance and Renunciation
Registered OCI cardholders will receive either a physical OCI card or an electronic e-OCI registration containing their details. The authority will maintain an electronic record of all registered persons. For renunciation, a declaration must be made electronically in Form XXXI on the designated portal to Indian Missions, Posts, or Foreigners Regional Registration Officers. If the OCI card was issued in physical form, the original card must be surrendered to authorities, who will issue an acknowledgment. Once the authority cancels the OCI registration, the person must deliver the original card.
Revision and Review
The new rule provides that if an application for revision is made by a person aggrieved by an order from an authority regarding their application, it shall be disposed of by an authority one rank higher than the original authority specified for citizenship applications. Additionally, if a person applies for review under Section 15A (grant of citizenship by naturalisation), the central government will dispose of the application after giving the affected person a reasonable opportunity to present their case.
