07 July 2026

India launches digital OCI card

On 30 June 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs launched the digital Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. The new system is designed to address challenges associated with the previous paper-based OCI system and enhance convenience for more than five million existing OCI cardholders. Previously, OCI cardholders who received their OCI card before turning age 20 had to apply for a new OCI card when they obtained a new passport after turning age 20. Under the new system, each digital OCI card will have a unique identity and will no longer need to be re-issued when a new passport is obtained after the age of 20. Cardholders, however, must update their passport details in the system each time a new passport is issued.

A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services, and attached below, provides additional details.

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Attachment

Full text of Tax Alert

Document ID: 2026-1426