NEW DELHI — The Government of India has introduced sweeping revisions to the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) framework following the rollout of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026. The revised regulations pivot the system toward a digital-first model while placing direct compliance obligations on cardholders.
Shift to e-OCI and Streamlined Renewals
The centerpiece of the policy shift is the formal launch of the “e-OCI” on June 30. New applicants will now receive a fully digital card rather than a physical document.
Existing physical booklets remain legally valid, but the government has eliminated recurring booklet reissues:
- Cardholders no longer need a new physical booklet every time a passport is renewed after turning 20.
- The mandatory reissue requirement at age 50 has been permanently scrapped.
Strict 90-Day Passport Update Window
Under the new guidelines, cardholders must update their OCI record within 90 days of receiving a newly issued foreign passport.
- Within 90 days: Portal updates are processed free of charge.
- Past 90 days: Late updates incur a penalty of approximately $25, and un-updated records risk discrepancies during airport immigration clearance.
Travel and Eligibility Adjustments
Several key operational procedures have changed for travelers and prospective applicants:
- Mandatory Digital e-Arrival Card: Paper arrival slips distributed on inbound flights have been retired. All OCI holders must complete the digital e-Arrival Card within 72 hours prior to landing in India.
- Residency Requirement Lifted: The previous requirement mandating a six-month continuous stay for foreign nationals applying from within India has been rescinded.
- Dual Passport Clarification for Minors: Authorities emphasized strict enforcement prohibiting minors from concurrently holding an Indian passport alongside a foreign passport, urging families to regularize dual-status documents promptly.
Immigration officials advise cardholders to use the central OCI online portal to maintain updated records and track deadlines ahead of planned travel.
