Revamped OCI Portal Launched by Amit Shah to Enhance Overseas Citizen Services
India Unveils Revamped OCI Portal for Better Access by Global Indian Citizens
In a significant digital stride to strengthen India’s engagement with its global diaspora, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday officially launched the revamped OCI portal, designed to provide an improved and seamless experience for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).
With a focus on simplification, security, and accessibility, the revamped OCI portal—now live at https://ociservices.gov.in—introduces a new era of digital convenience for over five million OCI cardholders and new applicants. The updated portal replaces the decade-old version with a modern, user-centric interface and upgraded functionality, reflecting the government’s commitment to a globally connected, digitally empowered Indian community.
“It must be ensured that Indian-origin residents face no inconvenience when visiting or staying in India,” said Amit Shah during the inauguration ceremony in New Delhi. “The revamped OCI portal is a step towards making this vision a reality.”
Modernising Services for a Global Indian Community
Originally launched in 2013, the previous OCI portal served over 180 Indian missions and 12 Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs), handling around 2,000 applications daily. However, with rapid technological advancements and a growing demand from users, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recognized the need for a comprehensive overhaul.
The revamped OCI portal is built to address the limitations of the old platform and offer a far more intuitive experience. Users can now enjoy smoother application processes, hassle-free document uploads, real-time tracking, and faster responses—all within a highly secure and interactive framework.
A Legacy Rooted in Law, Now Enhanced by Technology
The OCI scheme, which originated from a 2005 amendment to the Citizenship Act of 1955, grants certain rights to Persons of Indian Origin who have obtained foreign citizenship. Eligible individuals—excluding those who are or were citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh—can benefit from visa-free travel to India, property ownership rights, and access to educational and economic opportunities.
By integrating digital ease into this legacy framework, the new portal reinforces India’s dedication to its diaspora. The upgraded platform is not just a tool—it’s a bridge that connects generations of Indians living abroad to their cultural and emotional roots.
Citizen-Centric, Secure, and Smarter
The new OCI portal exemplifies the government’s broader push towards “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.” With enhanced cybersecurity protocols and an agile design, the portal ensures that sensitive personal data is protected while maintaining high performance and accessibility across devices.
Officials emphasized that this transformation is more than technical—it’s symbolic of a larger commitment. “Enhancing engagement with the global Indian community remains a top priority,” the MHA said in a statement. “The revamped OCI portal is part of our continuous effort to provide a responsive and citizen-first governance ecosystem.”
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