New portal promises user-friendly interface, enhanced security, and seamless registration experience for Overseas Citizens of India
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday unveiled the newly revamped portal for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme, aimed at simplifying and securing the registration process for Indian-origin individuals living abroad. The launch marks a significant technological upgrade to improve accessibility and user experience for millions of OCI applicants, reported deccanchronicle.com.
The revamped OCI portal offers improved functionality, better security features, and a modern interface to streamline the registration process for global Indian diaspora.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shah stated: “Today, launched the revamped OCI portal with an up-to-date user interface to make registration of overseas citizens seamless. The new features will include improved functionality, enhanced security, and a user-friendly experience.” The new portal is live at ociservices.gov.in/onlineOCI.
- The OCI scheme, initiated in 2005, enables registration of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India on or after January 26, 1950, or were eligible for citizenship on that date, as well as their descendants
- It provides long-term visa-free travel and other benefits.
However, there are restrictions: individuals whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh—or other countries specified by the Indian government—are not eligible for OCI registration.
The upgraded platform is part of a broader effort by the government to improve engagement with the global Indian diaspora through efficient and secure digital services.