India’s Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today launched the redesigned Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Portal, aimed at delivering a faster, safer, and more user-friendly experience for over 5 million OCI cardholders and new applicants globally.
Speaking at the launch in New Delhi, Shah said, “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.” He added that the platform marks a “major step forward in boosting citizen-friendly digital governance.”
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has been committed to offering world-class immigration services to persons of Indian origin living abroad. Shah noted the importance of ensuring Indian-origin citizens—residing across numerous countries—face no obstacles when visiting or staying in India.
Accessible via ociservices.gov.in, the new portal replaces the decade-old version launched in 2013. It is operational across more than 180 Indian missions and 12 Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs), collectively processing approximately 2,000 applications daily.
Key new features include:
• Modern user dashboard with auto-fill capabilities and integrated FAQs
• Simplified navigation and editing options before submission
• Application-specific document categorisation and eligibility display
• Online payment integration for FRRO applicants
• In-built image cropping for photo and signature uploads
• Reminder alerts and multi-factor authentication for enhanced security
On the technical front, the portal boasts infrastructure modernisation with load balancing, latest platform upgrades including Bootstrap 5.3 and Struts 2.5.30, SSL/TLS encryption, and cybersecurity enhancements such as server hardening and regular penetration testing.
Introduced through an amendment to the Citizenship Act in 2005, the OCI scheme grants overseas Indians—excluding those with lineage from Pakistan or Bangladesh—the right to live, work, and travel in India with special privileges.
The new portal reflects India’s digital transformation journey and responds to user feedback and evolving technology trends
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