Top News

News India Live, Digital Desk: In today’s time, Aadhaar Card has become the most important document for every person living in India. Be it opening a bank account, paying taxes or getting a SIM card, Aadhaar is useful everywhere. Often we get this question from relatives, friends or OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) cardholders living abroad – “Can we also get an Aadhar card made?” There is a lot of confusion on this question. Some people think that since they are of Indian origin, they will definitely get Aadhaar. But, UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has made its position absolutely clear on this matter. If you or someone you know is an OCI cardholder, then this information will be very useful to them. Aadhaar is not citizenship, it is ‘residence’. First of all, understand one thing. Aadhaar card is not a proof of your “citizenship”, but it is a proof of your “identity” and “address”. According to the rules of UIDAI, OCI cardholders can also get Aadhaar made, but there is a very big and strict condition for it. That condition is 182-Day Stay Rule. What is this 182-day rule? UIDAI has clarified that any OCI cardholder, who holds a valid foreign passport, can apply for Aadhaar only if he has stayed in India for at least 182 days in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of application. Yes. Its meaning is very clear: If you live abroad and have come to India on holidays only for 10-15 days in a year, then you cannot get Aadhaar made. To get Aadhaar, you must be a ‘resident’ of India, and in the eyes of the law, a resident is one who has stayed in India for more than half of the year (182 days). How to apply? (Step-by-Step Process)If you fulfill this condition of 182 days, then it is very easy for you to get Aadhaar made. The process is almost the same as for ordinary Indian citizens: Take an appointment: First of all visit the UIDAI website and book an appointment at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra. Visit the centre: Visit the center on the scheduled date. Documents: The documents are slightly different for OCI holders. You will have to show your valid foreign passport and valid OCI card. (Remember, OCI card alone is not enough, passport is necessary). Biometrics: There your photo, fingerprints and eye scan will be taken. Don’t forget to provide email: Since you may not have a permanent Indian mobile number, get your email ID updated so that you keep getting all the information on mail.