India rolls out its most extensive overhaul of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) framework in over a decade by shifting all applications, renunciations, and records to a fully digital platform. The updated Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026, remove the six-month residency requirement, standardize global fees, and introduce stricter compliance measures. It also requires all OCI applications, renunciations, and cancellations be filed exclusively online through ociservices.gov.in, ending the paper-and-ink process.
The changes aim to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and improve accessibility for millions in the Indian diaspora. Applicants must submit forms electronically, and records will be maintained digitally. The reform also abolishes the duplicate document requirement, signaling a decisive shift towards e-governance in diaspora services.
The overhaul removes the six-month in-country stay requirement before applying for OCI, allowing eligible applicants to start the process soon after arrival. It also broadens eligibility to include fifth- and sixth-generation Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka, addressing documentation challenges faced by these communities. Officials say these measures aim to make the programme more inclusive while maintaining robust identity verification.
The new rules introduce a standardized fee structure worldwide, with fresh applications abroad costing $275 and in India Rs 15,000, alongside fixed charges for reissuance and conversion. OCI holders must update passport details and upload a recent photo within three months of renewal or face a $25 penalty. These measures aim to improve transparency, predictability, and the accuracy of official records.
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