Centre notifies changes to Citizenship Rules, introducing digital processes for OCI and citizenship

The Union Home Ministry has notified changes to the Citizenship Rules, 2009, introducing a digital shift for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and citizenship applications. The amendments, known as the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026, include a specific proviso for citizenship applicants: a minor child cannot hold a passport of any other country while also holding an Indian passport. The changes also introduce online initiatives for OCI cardholders, such as a digital application and renunciation process through an official portal, https://ociservices.gov.in.

Key Points

  • The Union Home Ministry notified changes to the Citizenship Rules, 2009, introducing digital processes for OCI and citizenship applications.
  • A key proviso states that a minor child cannot hold a foreign passport while also holding an Indian passport.
  • The amendments are officially known as the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026.
  • Online initiatives include a digital application and renunciation process for OCI cardholders.
  • The official portal for these services is https://ociservices.gov.in.

Exam Facts

  • Rules: Citizenship Rules, 2009.
  • Amended Rules: Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026.
  • Online portal: https://ociservices.gov.in.
  • Notifying body: Union Home Ministry.

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All current affairs of 2 May 2026