What are e-OCI cards | Explained

📌 Summary:

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) card on June 30, 2026
• The Ministry of Home Affairs described it as a citizen-centric initiative to transform OCI services for the Indian diaspora through a fully digital system
• It is likely to impact more than 50 lakh OCI cardholders, replacing the current paper-booklet OCI format
• The move aligns with digital-governance and diaspora-engagement priorities, easing verification and reducing document fraud

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 International Relations — diaspora engagement; and Governance — e-governance and citizen-centric service delivery

📝 Prelims Facts:

• OCI status was introduced through the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005
• OCI is NOT dual citizenship; India does not permit dual citizenship
• OCI cardholders cannot vote, hold constitutional posts, or purchase agricultural land

🔑 Key Term: Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) — a lifelong visa and registration status for persons of Indian origin (with exceptions), distinct from full citizenship.