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Centre notifies changes to Citizenship Rules 2009; emphasis on OCI registration
On April 30, 2026, the Union Home Ministry notified changes to the Citizenship Rules, 2009, introducing a digital shift for OCI cardholders and citizenship applications. A gazette notification published the same day included a proviso restricting minor children from holding the passport of any other country while also holding the Indian passport. The article reporting these changes was published on May 1, 2026.
Why It Matters
The changes move citizenship-related processes to digital platforms and introduce a child-specific passport proviso, affecting OCI holders and future applicants.
Timeline
3 Events
Article publication confirming changes
May 1, 2026
The article reporting these changes was published on May 1, 2026 at 01:51 am IST.
Gazette notification publishes proviso on minor children and foreign passports
April 30, 2026
In a gazette notification published on Thursday, April 30, the government added a specific proviso for citizenship applicants involving children: "the minor child cannot at any time hold the passport of any other country while also holding the Indian passport".
Union Home Ministry notifies changes to Citizenship Rules, 2009; digital shift for OCI and citizenship processes
April 30, 2026
The Union Home Ministry on Thursday, April 30, 2026, notified changes to the Citizenship Rules, 2009. The changes introduce a digital shift across various processes for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and citizenship applications.