Government Launches Revamped OCI Portal for Citizens

Government Launches Revamped OCI Portal for Citizens

Why in the News?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a revamped OCI Portal to improve digital access and user experience for over 5 million Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). The portal offers enhanced features, security, and a modernised registration process.

Government Launches Revamped OCI Portal for Citizens

Launch and Key Features of the New Portal:

  • The revamped Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Portal was launched in New Delhi by Home Minister Amit Shah.
  • It provides a user-friendly interface, enhanced security, and simplified registration for existing and new OCI cardholders.
  • The portal is aimed at offering world-class immigration services to Indian-origin citizens residing abroad.
  • The focus is on ensuring that OCI holders face no difficulty during their visits or stay in India.

Background and Need for Revamp

  • The earlier OCI portal, launched in 2013, was functional across 180 Indian missions and 12 FRROs.
  • It processed around 2,000 applications daily but lacked modern features.
  • With technological advancements and user feedback, the government identified the need for a better system.
  • The updated portal addresses existing limitations and meets the growing demands of the diaspora community.

Government’s Vision and Digital Governance Push

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the initiative, calling it a milestone in citizen-friendly digital governance.
  • The portal aligns with India’s commitment to digital transformation and efficient public service delivery.

  • It reflects the government’s efforts to stay responsive to diaspora needs and strengthen their connect with India.

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Card – Key Points
– Introduced in 2005 to address diaspora demands for dual citizenship.

  • OCI eligibility includes those who were Indian citizens on/after 26 Jan 1950 or their children/grandchildren.
  • Not eligible if the applicant or ancestors were citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh (Section 7A).
  • Merged with Person of Indian Origin (PIO) category in 2015 via Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
  • OCI holders cannot vote, hold constitutional offices, government jobs, or buy agricultural land.
  • Provides lifelong multiple-entry visa and exemption from FRRO registration.
  • Grants parity with NRIs in financial, economic, and educational fields.
  • PIO: Foreign citizens with Indian ancestry or spouses of Indian citizens/PIOs, excluding nationals of specific neighboring countries.