OCI Matters

As per the current legal framework governing Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, the Government of India through its notification dated 4 March 2021, read with subsequent clarifications has laid down specific criteria and compliance requirements for the issuance and renewal of OCI cards. One of the most relevant updates is that a new OCI card must be reissued only once after obtaining a new passport following the age of 20 years. Prior to this, applicants are only required to upload a copy of the new passport and a recent photograph on the OCI portal without the need for reissuance. This has simplified the process considerably and reduced the compliance burden for OCI cardholders.

In the case of rejection of an OCI application, the reasons are typically based on non-fulfilment of eligibility criteria under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and associated rules such as incomplete documentation, inconsistencies in ancestral proofs, or issues related to previous citizenship status. If an application is rejected, the applicant has the right to file a representation or seek a review before the competent authority under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. In certain cases, judicial review may be sought through a Writ Petition before the relevant Hon’ble High Court if there is alleged arbitrariness, procedural irregularity, or violation of natural justice.

At NRI Legal Consultants, our team provides legal advisory services for those applying for new OCI cards or facing rejection. We assist with document verification, drafting representations, and initiating legal remedies where necessary. Our approach ensures that applicants receive structured legal support in compliance with both procedural and substantive requirements of Indian citizenship laws.