OCI Cardholders Eligible for Aadhaar Card in India with Residency Conditions
OCI cardholders who have resided in India for at least 182 days in the 12 months immediately before applying can enroll for an Aadhaar card. They must provide their valid OCI card, foreign passport as proof of identity, and proof of Indian address. Aadhaar issued to OCI holders is valid for 10 years and serves as a proof of identity and address in India.
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders who hold foreign nationality can obtain an Aadhaar card if they have resided in India for more than 182 days in the preceding 12 months before enrollment. To apply, OCI holders must present their valid OCI card and foreign passport as proof of identity, along with a valid document showing an Indian address as proof of address. The Aadhaar card for OCI residents is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and is valid for 10 years from the date of enrollment, unlike Indian citizens whose Aadhaar has indefinite validity. The Aadhaar serves as a unique 12-digit identification number linked to biometric and demographic data, providing proof of identity and address within India. While possessing an Aadhaar is not mandatory for OCI holders, it facilitates easier access to various services in India, including employment and transactions requiring identity verification. The enrollment process requires biometric data and supporting documents, and the card is delivered to the Indian address provided. This facility aligns with the government’s recognition that Aadhaar is a residency-based identification, not a citizenship document, and therefore foreign nationals like OCI cardholders who meet the residency criteria can obtain it.
