UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20th May 2025

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Home Minister launches new OCI portal

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a revamped Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) portal on May 19, 2025.

Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah officially launched a newly revamped Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) portal.
This digital platform aims to simplify and modernize the registration process for Overseas Citizens of India, ensuring a smoother experience for persons of Indian origin when applying for or renewing OCI cards and interacting with Indian immigration services.

The main purpose of launching the updated OCI portal is to:

Simplify the application and renewal process for OCI cards.
Provide a more user-friendly and accessible interface for Indian-origin residents across the globe.
Ensure that overseas citizens do not face procedural difficulties when visiting or staying in India.

a) Improved User Interface

The new portal offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate design.
Forms and instructions have been simplified to make the application process less confusing, especially for elderly users or those unfamiliar with government websites.

b) Enhanced Functionality

It caters to both existing OCI cardholders and new applicants.
The revamped features support efficient processing of applications and enable better tracking of status.

c) Advanced Security Infrastructure

Modern cybersecurity measures have been incorporated to ensure the safety of users’ personal and travel data.
These updates are in line with global standards for digital identity management and government service portals.

d) Broad Operational Coverage

The OCI portal connects with over 180 Indian diplomatic missions abroad and 12 Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) within India.
It currently processes around 2,000 applications per day, and the upgraded system is expected to handle a significantly higher volume with improved speed and accuracy.

Background: What is the OCI Scheme?

The OCI scheme was introduced through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955 in the year 2005.
It was designed to formally recognize and engage the vast Indian diaspora by granting them certain benefits while maintaining India’s policy against dual citizenship.

An individual can apply for registration as an OCI if:

Ineligibility:

Persons who are or have been citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh are not eligible for the OCI card. This also applies if their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were citizens of either of those two countries.

It is important to note that the OCI status does not equate to dual citizenship. Rather, it allows the holder:

A lifelong visa to visit India multiple times.
Exemption from registration with the local police authority for any length of stay in India.
Limited rights in terms of property ownership and economic activities.

However, OCI cardholders are not entitled to:

The previous OCI services portal was developed in 2013. Over time, users reported several limitations, including technical glitches, outdated user experience, and limited compatibility with modern devices.
Additionally, advancements in digital technologies and the increased volume of OCI applications demanded a more robust and modern platform.
Based on feedback from users and government agencies, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) decided to overhaul the portal to improve efficiency and transparency.

The revamped OCI portal holds importance for multiple reasons:

It strengthens India’s relationship with its global diaspora, estimated to be over 32 million strong.
It simplifies the process for over five million current OCI cardholders and makes it easier for new applicants to access the scheme.
It is a part of India’s broader strategy to improve governance and service delivery through digital platforms.
It addresses long-standing user concerns regarding delays, technical inefficiencies, and inadequate user support.
It enhances security and privacy of sensitive data related to immigration and personal identity.

The launch of the new OCI portal represents a significant step in modernizing how India interacts with its diaspora.
By streamlining the registration and services process, the Government of India has reaffirmed its commitment to making overseas Indians feel more connected to their roots.
This initiative aligns with the country’s larger goals of fostering greater global engagement, improving digital governance, and delivering citizen-friendly services.