In a significant development, the Indian government has issued updated guidelines for Aadhaar enrolment, specifically focusing on Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders. These amendments, announced in January end, aim to simplify the Aadhaar enrolment process for individuals living abroad.
What are the new changes in Aadhaar guidelines?
- Under the new rules, NRIs and OCI card holders are now eligible to apply for Aadhaar enrolment or update their Aadhaar details during their visit to India. Earlier, updating some information was only possible online, and the rest of it was offline.
- An NRI can now update their information for Aadhaar either offline or online, by visiting the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or on the UIDAI website/Mobile application.
- This eliminates the need for them to wait for a mandatory 182-day residency period previously required for Aadhaar enrolment.
Why is this change important?
This is a significant development for NRIs and OCI card holders as it simplifies the process of obtaining or updating Aadhaar, which is increasingly becoming essential for various financial and administrative purposes in India. It allows them to access Aadhaar-linked services and benefits seamlessly, even during short visits to the country.
New forms to be filled by NRIs for Aadhaar updation
The UIDAI has launched new forms that both residents and non-residents, such as NRIs, can use to either enroll for Aadhaar or update their details. The existing forms used for Aadhaar enrolment and detail updates have been replaced with new forms. Here are the form changes and their implications for NRIs:
Remember:
- In case NRI provides a non-Indian mobile number, no SMS/text message will be sent to the same, as per the Form 1 guidelines.
- For NRI, only a valid Indian passport is acceptable as Proof of Identity (POI).
How to apply for Aadhaar now as an NRI/OCI?
NRIs and OCI card holders can visit any Aadhaar Enrollment Center in India and submit their biometric and demographic details for Aadhaar enrollment or update. They must carry their passport, OCI card, and other supporting documents for verification purposes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new rules for Aadhaar enrollment for NRIs and OCI card holders signify a positive step towards making government services more accessible and user-friendly for the Indian diaspora. It offers greater flexibility and convenience, allowing NRIs and OCI card holders to fulfill their Aadhaar-related requirements without the constraints of residency periods. As NRIs and OCI card holders continue to play a vital role in India's development and progress, these changes reflect the government's commitment to addressing their needs and facilitating their integration into the country's administrative framework.