Published on: May 21, 2025

NEW OCI PORTAL

NEW OCI PORTAL

NEWS – Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah launched the revamped Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Portal in New Delhi.

OBJECTIVE BEHIND THE REVAMP

Why the Upgrade Was Needed

  • The earlier OCI portal was developed in 2013.
  • With major technological advancements over the last decade and continuous user feedback, there was a need to:
    • Address existing limitations.
    • Modernize infrastructure.
    • Enhance user experience and security.

User Base

  • Over 5 million existing OCI cardholders worldwide.
  • Applications processed at:
    • 180+ Indian missions abroad.
    • 12 Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs).
    • Approx. 2,000 applications per day.

KEY FEATURES OF THE REVAMPED OCI PORTAL

User-Friendly Functionalities

  • User account creation and segregated registration menu.
  • Auto-fill feature for profile details in forms.
  • Dashboard for tracking completed and pending applications.
  • Online payment integration (especially for FRRO applicants).
  • Seamless step-wise navigation.
  • Application-type-based document categorization.
  • Edit option before final submission.
  • Integrated FAQ section.
  • Reminders for verification before submission.
  • Display of eligibility and document requirements.
  • Image cropping tool for photos and signatures.

TECHNICAL ENHANCEMENTS

  1. Infrastructure Modernization
  • Multiple web servers with load balancer.
  • RedHat 9 OS for enhanced reliability and scalability.
  1. Software & Platform Upgrades
  • Framework updates: JDK, Struts 2.5.30, Bootstrap 5.3.0.
  • Responsive design for multi-device compatibility.
  1. Security Enhancements
  • SSL/TLS encryption for secure data transmission.
  • Regular security audits, patch management.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
  • Server hardening and latest antivirus (AV) integration.
  1. Process Automation
  • Backend operations streamlined with automated workflows.
  1. Data Management
  • Centralized and optimized data storage and access systems.
  1. UX/UI Enhancements
  • Responsive web design for mobile, tablet, and desktop.
  • Faster load times and mobile-friendly interfaces.

OCI SCHEME BACKGROUND

  • Introduced: Via amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955, in 2005.
  • Eligibility:
    • Persons of Indian origin who were citizens of India on or after 26th January 1950, or eligible on that date.
  • Exclusions:
    • Individuals who are or had been citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh, or whose parents/grandparents/great-grandparents were, are not eligible.