Government has launched a revamped Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Portal to improve digital access, ease of registration, security, and user experience for over 5 million OCI cardholders and new applicants. The platform aligns with the vision of citizen-friendly digital governance and the broader goals of Digital India.
Key Highlights of New OCI Portal
Objective: Ensure ease of access and a seamless experience for Indian-origin individuals globally, strengthening their connection with India.
| Feature | Description |
| User Experience | Enhanced UI, user-friendly design, intuitive navigation |
| Application Process | Segregated registration menus, auto-fill profile data, category-wise document list |
| Tracking & Dashboard | Dashboard to view completed/partially filled applications |
| Image Upload | In-built image cropping tool for photo & signature upload |
| Document Upload | Real-time document editing option before final submission |
| Payment | Integrated online payment gateway |
| Guidance | Display of eligibility criteria, FAQs, and reminders before submission |
| Coverage | Operational in 180+ Indian Missions abroad and 12 FRROs, processing ~2000 applications daily |
What is OCI Card?
| Parameter | Details |
| Full Form | Overseas Citizen of India |
| Introduced | August 2005, via amendment to Citizenship Act, 1955 (Section 7A) |
| Nature | Long-term visa/residency status (not dual citizenship) |
| Holders | Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) residing abroad, not current Indian citizens |
| Validity | Lifelong, multiple-entry visa for India |
Eligibility for OCI Registration
A person is eligible if they:
- Were Indian citizens on or after 26 January 1950
- Are children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of such citizens
- Are minor children of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders
- Are foreign spouses of Indian citizens/OCI holders (marriage ≥ 2 years + security clearance)
Not eligible if:
- Ever held citizenship of Pakistan or Bangladesh
- Serving/retired foreign military personnel
Benefits of an OCI Card
| Category | Benefit |
| Visa | Lifelong, multiple-entry visa to India |
| FRRO | Exempted from registration, irrespective of stay duration |
| Travel & Access | Same rates as Indian citizens for airfares, monuments, parks |
| Education & Property | NRI parity for: child adoption, educational seats, purchasing non-agricultural property |
| Profession | Can work as doctors, lawyers, CAs, architects; eligible for faculty posts in IITs, NITs, AIIMS, etc. |
Restrictions on OCI Cardholders
| Area | Restriction |
| Politics | Cannot vote, contest elections, or hold constitutional posts |
| Government Jobs | Not eligible for regular government employment |
| Land | Cannot buy agricultural or plantation property |
| Special Permissions Required For | Research, journalism, missionary work, mountaineering, visiting restricted/protected areas, or interning with foreign diplomatic missions |
Treated at par with foreign nationals under FEMA, 2003 (not NRIs).
Renunciation of OCI
- OCI cardholders may voluntarily renounce their status.
- After renunciation, they and their minor children cease to be OCI holders.
Difference between NRI and OCI
| NRI | OCI |
| Indian citizen living abroad | Foreign national of Indian origin |
| Holds Indian passport | Holds foreign passport |
| Has voting rights | Cannot vote |
| Can hold public office | Cannot hold constitutional positions |
| Needs visa to return after expiry | Has lifelong visa-free access to India |