New Aadhaar Rules Cause Enrollment Issues for Overseas Citizens

New Aadhaar Rules Cause Enrollment Issues for Overseas Citizens

• The latest changes in Aadhaar enrollment rules, effective from June 1, 2024, have raised concerns among OCIs and NRIs.
• These concerns center around the eligibility criteria and process for obtaining or updating Aadhaar cards.
• Overseas citizens are particularly affected by these new rules.
• OCIs and NRIs are now facing difficulties in understanding how these changes impact their ability to enroll or update their Aadhaar information.
• The new regulations have sparked confusion regarding the specific requirements for overseas individuals.
• This situation has led to uncertainty about compliance with the new Aadhaar guidelines.

Key Changes in Aadhaar Enrollment for OCIs

• Residency Requirement: One of the major hurdles is the residency clause. OCIs, despite holding foreign citizenship, can only apply for an Aadhaar card if they have resided in India for at least 182 days in the past year. This is in accordance with the Income Tax Act (1961), which defines residency based on this time frame. For many OCIs, who might visit India only for short periods, this requirement makes it difficult to obtain Aadhaar.
• Updated Forms and Documentation: New forms have been introduced to streamline the process for different categories, including NRIs and foreign nationals. However, these forms require OCIs to submit additional documentation, including a valid passport and proof of their stay in India. For OCIs who frequently travel or live abroad, gathering these documents can be a cumbersome process.

Process Challenges for NRIs and OCIs

• Biometric Capture Requirement: All Aadhaar applicants must undergo biometric capture at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra (service center). This includes fingerprint scans and iris recognition, which authenticate the applicant’s identity. However, this requirement creates logistical challenges for NRIs and OCIs, as they need to physically visit these centers in India.
• No Provision for International Mobile Numbers: NRIs can apply for Aadhaar, but only Indian mobile numbers are accepted for registration. As a result, those holding foreign mobile numbers cannot complete the Aadhaar application process unless they obtain an Indian number. This restriction is a significant barrier for many overseas citizens who rely on international contact details.

Impact of New Rules

• Inaccessibility: The new Aadhaar rules have made it more difficult for overseas citizens to enroll in or update their Aadhaar details. OCIs, in particular, face unique challenges as the residency requirement disqualifies many of them from applying, despite their need for Aadhaar for various purposes like property transactions or financial investments in India.
• Delays in Processing: The manual biometric verification process has also led to delays. NRIs and OCIs must wait longer for appointments at Aadhaar centers, especially during peak travel seasons when many return to India. The lack of digital or remote options for biometric capture further slows the process.
• Miscommunication and Confusion: Many overseas citizens have expressed confusion about the new rules, especially regarding the residency requirement and accepted documentation. The lack of clear communication from authorities has resulted in many applications being rejected or delayed, adding to the frustration of applicants.

The Way Forward

• Potential Reforms: Some have called for reforms to make Aadhaar enrollment more accessible for overseas citizens. Suggestions include allowing biometric captures at Indian embassies or consulates abroad and accepting international mobile numbers for Aadhaar registration. Such changes could greatly ease the process for NRIs and OCIs.
• Better Communication: To reduce confusion, authorities must provide clear, step-by-step guidelines tailored to the needs of overseas citizens. This could include dedicated helplines or online portals that address the specific concerns of NRIs and OCIs applying for Aadhaar.

Important questions

1. What is the residency requirement for OCIs to apply for Aadhaar under the new rules?
2. How do the new Aadhaar enrollment rules impact OCIs and NRIs in terms of biometric capture?
3. What documentation challenges do OCIs face when applying for Aadhaar after the June 2024 rule changes?
4. Why is the restriction on international mobile numbers a significant issue for NRIs and OCIs when applying for Aadhaar?
5. What potential reforms have been suggested to make Aadhaar enrollment easier for overseas citizens?

Conclusion

The new Aadhaar enrollment rules, effective from June 1, 2024, have posed significant challenges for Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), particularly due to the residency requirement, biometric capture process, and the inability to use international mobile numbers. These hurdles have made it difficult for many overseas citizens to obtain or update their Aadhaar cards, leading to delays, miscommunication, and frustration. To address these issues, reforms such as remote biometric capture and acceptance of international contact details, alongside improved communication, are necessary to make the process more accessible and efficient for overseas applicants.

Download Online Mock Test Mobile APP

• Join Official Telegram Channel
• Join Official Whatsapp Group

Recommended PDF’s for 2024:

• Computer Capsule 2024 : Download PDF
• Banking Awareness (Theory+MCQ’s) Complete PDF : Download Now
• Get FREE Study Materials & PDFs for IBPS , RBI, SBI, LIC AAO , LIC Assistant, NIACL & Other Exams Over the mail and Whatsapp