OCI rules 2026: List of key revised rules under Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2026

The central government has introduced a fresh set of changes to the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) framework under the Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2026, bringing in tighter compliance and a stronger push towards digital processes. Notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the revised rules aim to streamline OCI services while addressing gaps related to documentation, verification and misuse.

As per a major policy clarification added in Rule 3 of the Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2026, a minor child cannot hold a passport of another country while also holding an Indian passport. As per a Ministry of Home Affairs notification, “Provided that the applicant in such cases shall note that the minor child cannot at any time hold the passport of any other country while also holding the Indian passport.”

A physical OCI card or an electronic (e-OCI) registration with information similar to Form XXIX will be provided to registered OCI cardholders. According to the notification, the issuing body is required to keep an electronic database of OCI cardholders.

The government has streamlined the application process for an OCI card. Services such as OCI application registration, card renunciation declarations, acknowledgement issuing and electronic record maintenance will be available online.

The gazettee said that Application Form XXVIII must be submitted electronically on the official website, https://ociservices.gov.in, in order to register as an OCI cardholder under Section 7A.

As per the new rules, renunciation of an OCI card must be done electronically on the portal. If someone already has an OCI card in its physical form, the cardholder must submit it. Authorities will issue electronic acknowledgement after the submission of such a card and the applicant’s name will be removed from official records.

If the government issues an order to cancel an OCI card, the cardholder must surrender the card in physical form. They must provide the physical card to the authorities for cancellation.

The OCI card will be cancelled once it is delivered to the authorities. However, if it is not delivered, the central government may order that it be treated as cancelled.

In case of an e-OCI card, if the government passes an order to cancel it, the registration will be considered cancelled. Authorities will update the cancellation of the card in its electronic records.

When submitting an application to participate in the Fast Track Immigration Programme, individuals must consent to the sharing of biometric information acquired for OCI card registration.
People should also provide content for their automatic registration under the Fast Track Immigration Programme using their biometric data.