Aadhaar card s are now accessible to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, Long Term Visa (LTV) document holders, Nepal and Bhutan nationals, and other resident foreigners, all free of charge.
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These cards serve as a vital form of identification, particularly for those earning income in India. The Aadhaar card not only facilitates potential job opportunities upon the return of NRIs but also grants access to government subsidies and social security schemes. This article provides insights into eligibility criteria, necessary documents, and the application process for foreigners residing in India and NRIs.
Eligibility Criteria for NRIs Applying for Aadhaar Card
Aadhaar cards in India are accessible to the following individuals:
1. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), both minors and adults, possessing a valid Indian Passport and staying in India for a minimum of 182 days per year.
2. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who have resided in India for at least 182 days in the preceding year.
3. Long Term Visa (LTV) holders from minority communities in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, such as Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians.
4. Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan with valid passports or relevant documents.
5. Other resident foreigners who have stayed in India for over 182 days in the past year.
6. Resident foreigners with a valid Registration Certificate or residential permit issued by FRRO/FRO, excluding those with OCI or LTV status, as well as Nepali or Bhutanese nationals.
Documents Required for NRIs Applying for Aadhaar Card
To obtain an Aadhaar card, NRIs, OCI cardholders, LTV document holders, Nepal and Bhutan nationals, and other Resident Foreigners need specific documents:
For NRIs:
-Valid Indian Passport as Proof of Identity (PoI).
-Additional documents such as Birth Certificate, Photo ID Proof , or School Certificate may be accepted.
-Documents proving their relationship with another country.
For OCI cardholders:
-Valid OCI card and foreign passport as ID proof.
For LTV document holders:
-Valid Long Term VISA (LTV) document and either a valid or expired foreign passport as identity and address proof.
For Nepal and Bhutan nationals:
-Respective passports as identity proof.
-Alternatively, Bhutanese/Nepalese Citizenship Certificate or Voter Identity Card if passports are unavailable.
For other resident foreigners:
-Valid VISA and foreign passport as identity proof if stayed in India for over 182 days in the past year.
-Registration Certificate or Residential permit issued by FRRO/FRO as address proof.
Aadhaar Card Application Process for NRIs
The process to enroll for an Aadhaar card involves several steps for NRIs, OCI cardholders, LTV holders, Nepal and Bhutan nationals, and other resident foreigners:
-Visit any Aadhaar Seva Kendra by booking an appointment online or walking in.
-Bring relevant documents based on UIDAI’s guidelines for your applicant type.
-Complete the enrollment form, with providing an email id being mandatory for NRIs.
-Inform the operator about enrolling as an NRI , OCI cardholder, LTV holder, Nepal or Bhutan national, or other resident foreigner.
-Undergo the biometric capture process.
-Verify all details displayed on the screen before allowing the operator to submit the information.
-Obtain the enrolment/acknowledgement slip, crucial for checking Aadhaar Card Status online.
Things to Keep in Mind about Aadhaar Card for NRIs and Foreigners
Consider these points when applying for an Aadhaar card as an NRI , OCI cardholder, LTV document holder, Nepal or Bhutan national, or other resident foreigner:
-While having an Aadhaar card streamlines processes, it is not mandatory for non-Indian residents.
-Aadhaar does not confer Indian citizenship or the right to stay if other requirements aren’t met.
-NRIs need not link their bank accounts with Aadhaar unless they wish to avail benefits under section 7 of the Aadhaar Act.
-In the absence of the original Aadhaar card, the Aadhaar letter, e-Aadhaar, or mAadhaar profile can be used as valid ID proofs.
-Although Aadhaar is comprehensive, additional verifications may be required by authorities.
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-Aadhaar issued to resident foreigners is valid until the visa’s expiration date or ten years for Nepal/Bhutan nationals, OCI cardholders, and LTV document holders.
