The government has enacted the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which bring major changes to the application process for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.
As of early Tuesday, all OCI applications must now be submitted electronically through an official portal. This marks a significant shift in how applicants interact with the system.
Previously, applicants were required to submit documents in duplicate. This requirement has been eliminated, simplifying the process for many.
Additionally, a minor child cannot hold the passport of any other country while also holding an Indian passport. This change aims to clarify citizenship status for minors.
Registered individuals may receive either a physical OCI card or an electronic OCI registration under the new e-OCI system. This flexibility could benefit many OCI holders.
To participate in the Fast Track Immigration Programme, OCI applicants will need to sign a new consent form. This new requirement may impact how quickly individuals can navigate immigration procedures.
Meanwhile, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has led to a net removal of 5.2 crore persons across twelve states. This revision raises concerns about voter representation and eligibility.
The last such revision occurred in 2003, indicating a long gap between updates. The implications for D-voters—individuals marked as doubtful citizens—are particularly significant.
Currently, there are 119,570 D-voters in Assam alone, with women making up 70,723 of that number as of October 2019. These statistics highlight ongoing challenges within the electoral system.
The Foreigners Tribunal plays a critical role in adjudicating citizenship claims related to these revisions. It remains uncertain how these changes will affect ongoing cases.
Experts warn that these amendments and electoral roll revisions could have far-reaching implications for both citizenship applications and voter rights in India.
