Aadhaar Card Enrollment: New rules announced for NRIs, OCI-card holders

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced modifications to the Aadhaar (Enrollment and Update) rules introducing separate forms for resident and non-resident Indians. According to the UIDAI, these new guidelines have been made with the aim of making the whole process of updating and enrolling for the Aadhaar Card easier.

Earlier, NRIs were not eligible to apply for Aadhaar form, but now are eligible to apply for Aadhaar card at any Aadhaar Kendra. According to the old 2016 rule, an Aadhaar card holder could only update their address via online mode, and for any other detailed update, they were required to visit the nearby enrollment center.

Updated Aadhaar Rules

As per the new rules, Aadhaar card information can now be updated in the Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) by visiting the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or via the Mobile application and UIDAI website.

New Forms for Aadhaar Card Enrolment

New forms have replaced the existing ones for Aadhaar enrollment and updating Aadhaar details. 

Form 1 will be used for the Aadhaar card enrolment of both residents and non-residents (18 years of age and older with evidence of address in India). The same group of people can update their Aadhaar details using the same form.

Form 2 will be for NRIs having address proof outside India.

Form 3 will be used to enroll children aged between 5 years and above but less than 18 years (resident or NRI having permanent Indian address).

Form 4 will be used for NRI children having addresses outside of India.

Form 5 will be used for residents or NRI children (having Indian address) below 5 years of age.

Form 6 will be used for NRI children (with outside India address) below 5 years of age.

Form 7 will be used by a resident foreign national above 18 years of age. A foreign passport, valid long-term visa, OCI Card, and Indian visa are mandatory for enrolment in this category. Having an email ID is compulsory as well.

Form 8 will be for resident foreign nationals below 18 years of age.

Form 9 is notified by the UIDAI for cancellation of the Aadhaar number upon attaining 18 years of age.

Update Aadhaar Document Every 10 Years

The new rule also states that an Aadhaar number bearer should update their documents 10 years after the generation date of the Aadhaar number. Updating the Aadhaar number and documents can be done online, through the UIDAI website or mobile application, or in person at the Aadhar Kendra (enrollment center).

Do NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) need an Aadhar card?

It is mandatory for every Indian citizen to enroll in Aadhar card. The Aadhar Card is used for many purposes, acting like a a social security number in India. The primary usages of a Aadhar card are:

• Identity Proof: Aadhar serves as an Identity Proof and can be used everywhere you need to provide a proof of identity
• Address Proof: The address details provided on the Aadhar Card also serves as your address proof or Proof of Residence
• Online KYC (Know Your Customer): For investments in the Indian Market (such as Mutual Funds, Stocks etc.) Aadhar card is used as a tool for online KYC (Know Your Customer) which is a process of verifying your details for the investments

Can OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) Card Holders obtain Aadhar card?

Yes, OCI card holders can obtain an Aadhar card. Aadhar is not a proof of citizenship so people with foreign citizenships can apply for Aadhar card, but OCIs must stay in India for 182 days or more in an year before applying for the Aadhar Card. According to the Income Tax Act (1961) definition, an individual must stay in India for 182 days or more in one financial year in order to become a resident of India.

Process for NRI Enrollment to Aadhar Card:

1. Visit any Aadhaar Kendra of your convenience.
2. Carry your valid Passport with you (Indian Passport for NRIs, or your Country Passport for OCI)  
   Note: OCI can apply for Aadhar Card only if they are resident in India for more than 182 days
3. Fill details in the enrollment form
4. Giving Email ID is mandatory for NRI (Currently, international mobile number is not accepted)
5. The declaration for NRI enrollment is slightly different. Read and sign the same in your enrollment form
6. Ask the operator to enroll you as NRI
7. Give your Passport as Proof of Identity
8. You may choose to use your Passport itself as Proof of Address and Date of Birth proof or give some other valid documents for this (As per UIDAI Valid Documents List)
9. Complete the biometric capture process
10. Check all details on screen (in English and local language) before you allow the operator to submit
11. Collect the acknowledgement slip/enrollment slip that has your 14 digit Enrolment ID and Date & Time Stamp. You can check status of your Aadhaar from: https://resident.uidai.gov.in/check-aadhaar

For more information, visit UIDAI page for NRIs.