Government Updates Citizenship Rules to Restructure OCI Cardholder Protections and Application Processes The Indian government has officially notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026, implementing significant revisions to the framework governing Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and the process for applying for Indian citizenship. These changes, introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, replace the earlier Citizenship Rules, 2009, and are disseminated through a formal gazette notification. The amendments aim to streamline procedures, enhance security measures, and align with modern administrative practices. A central provision of the revised rules prohibits minors from holding passports of any foreign nation while simultaneously possessing an Indian passport. This restriction applies to all children under the age of 18, ensuring that their dual nationality status is managed in accordance with updated legal standards. Additionally, the government has mandated that all applications for OCI card registration and renunciation must now be submitted electronically via the official government portal. This shift to digital submission aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and improve transparency in the application process. For individuals seeking to renounce their OCI status, the rules require them to surrender their original physical OCI card to the nearest Indian diplomatic mission, consulate, or Foreigners Regional Registration Officer. This step ensures that the government maintains accurate records of OCI status and prevents unauthorized use of the card. The amendment also eliminates the previous requirement for applicants to submit duplicate copies of documents, reducing the administrative burden on applicants.#indian_government #ministry_of_home_affairs #overseas_citizen_of_india #fast_track_immigration_programme #e_oci
