India's Home Ministry Updates Citizenship Rules, Introduces e-OCI Cards and Stricter Passport Norms for Minors
MHA updates citizenship rules, tightens norms on dual passports for minors
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
The Union Home Ministry of India has announced the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which introduce electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) cards and stricter regulations on dual passports for minors. The new rules aim to streamline application processes and enhance security through biometric data integration.
- 01Introduction of electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) cards.
- 02Minors holding Indian passports are prohibited from having passports from other countries.
- 03All applications for OCI registration must now be submitted online.
- 04Biometric data collection is mandated for future immigration facilitation.
- 05The amendments aim to simplify procedures and reduce paperwork.
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The Union Home Ministry of India has updated its citizenship rules with the introduction of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026. This new framework includes the launch of electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) cards, allowing for fully online applications and digital records, thereby phasing out physical processes. A significant change is the prohibition on minors with Indian passports from holding passports from other countries, addressing concerns about dual citizenship misuse. The application process for OCI registration has shifted entirely online, requiring applicants to consent to biometric data collection for integration with future immigration programs. These updates aim to streamline procedures, enhance clarity in registration, renunciation, and cancellation processes, and create a centralized electronic registry of OCI holders. The rules will take effect upon their publication in the Official Gazette.
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The new rules will simplify the OCI application process for overseas Indians, making it easier to obtain and manage their citizenship status. This is particularly significant for families with minors, as they must now navigate stricter regulations regarding dual citizenship.
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