India: New OCI Rules Bring Broader Eligibility but Stricter Compliance Measures
May 6, 2026
Update May 6, 2026: In addition to the below changes, there is also now an option for eligible foreign nationals to obtain an electronic OCI (e-OCI) card (in addition to a physical card, which is now optional).
April 29, 2026: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has overhauled the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) program after more than a decade. According to the revised rules:
- Eligible foreign nationals can apply for an OCI Card without completing six months of stay in India, as previously required. If they have a valid long-term visa and required documents, they can submit the application soon after arrival in India. This is expected to reduce administrative delays and improve mobility.
- There is a new fine of USD 25 (or equivalent in local currency) for those who do not update their passport details on the OCI portal within three months of issuance of a new passport. This adds a new compliance requirement for all OCI Card holders regarding passport updates.
- Fifth- and sixth-generation Indian Origin Tamils in Sri Lanka are now eligible for an OCI Card, whereas this was previously limited to fourth-generation descendants. This allows a broader group of Sri Lankan diaspora to apply, particularly those from communities with limited historical documentation.
These changes are linked to upgraded biometric verification systems, which will support faster “e-gate” immigration processing at Indian airports by ensuring real-time matching of passport and OCI data.
Fragomen in India is Fragomen Immigration Services India (Pvt) Ltd., operating exclusively as an immigration consultancy and not as a law firm. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
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