Aadhaar for non-residents, foreign passport holders; Amendments announced in Aadhaar rules

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced amendments to the Aadhaar (Enrollment and Update) Rules,

Separate forms have been introduced for residents and non-residents. The circular dated January 16, 2024 outlines key changes and requirements for Aadhaar enrollment and updates.

NRIs, whether minors or adults, holding a valid Indian passport are now eligible to apply for Aadhaar from any Aadhaar centre. The latest circular clarifies that for NRI children, a valid Indian passport is the only authorized proof of identity (POI) and proof of address (POA). Also, birth certificate is now mandatory for Indians and NRIs born on or after October 1, 2023.

Revised Form 1 will be used for Aadhaar enrollment for persons aged 18 years and above, whether residents or non-residents with proof of address in India. NRIs must provide an email address as part of their Aadhaar details, and as per Form 1 norms, no SMS or text messages will be sent to non-Indian cellphone numbers provided by NRIs.

A valid Indian passport is the only recognized POI for NRIs and Form 2 is designated for enrolling or updating at an address outside India. Forms 3, 4, 5 and 6 are specified for enrollment of children of different age groups and addresses, residents and NRIs are distinguished.

NRI applicants

The notification also emphasizes the use of valid Indian passport as mandatory POI for NRI applicants, who can opt for any other Indian address to provide a valid supporting Proof of Address (POA).

Foreign Nationals

For foreign nationals above 18 years of age, Form 7 should be used and details of foreign passports, OCI cards, valid long stay visas or Indian visas are required for enrolment. Entering an email id in this section is mandatory.

Form 8 is designed for foreign nationals below 18 years of age and requires the authentication and consent of a parent or guardian.

The notification also emphasizes the use of a valid Indian Passport as mandatory POI for NRI applicants, who can choose to provide any other Indian address with valid supporting Proof of Address (PoA). The enrolment process for NRIs involves a specific declaration, and applicants are encouraged to carefully review all details on screen before submission

Read More: https://uidai.gov.in/