Aadhaar Enrollment: New Rules Announced for NRIs, OCI-Card Holders

Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Rules have been amended by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), creating different forms for residents and non-residents. The important modifications and prerequisites for Aadhaar enrollment and updates are delineated in the circular, dated January 16, 2024.
NRIs with a valid Indian passport, regardless of age, can now apply for Aadhaar at any Aadhaar Kendra. According to the most recent circular, the only recognised Proof of Identity (POI) and Proof of Address (POA) for children who are not residents of India is a valid Indian passport. In addition, a birth certificate is now required for resident Indians and non-resident Indians who were born on or after October 1, 2023.
For anyone who are 18 years of age and older, both residents and non-residents with evidence of address in India, the updated Form 1 will be utilised for Aadhaar enrollment. As part of their Aadhaar details, non-resident Indians (NRIs) are required to submit an email address. Additionally, as per Form 1 regulations, non-Indian mobile phones provided by NRIs will not receive any SMS or text messages.
The only acceptable proof of identity for non-resident Indians (NRIs) is a valid Indian passport; NRIs who wish to enlist or update their residence outside of India must use Form 2. To differentiate between residents and non-resident aliens (NRIs), forms 3, 4, 5, and 6 are required for the enrollment of children with different age groups and residences.
For resident foreign nationals above 18 years, Form 7 is to be used, requiring details of foreign passports, OCI cards, valid long-term visas, or Indian visas for enrolment. The inclusion of an email ID is mandatory in this category. Form 8 is designed for resident foreign nationals below 18 years, requiring parental or guardian authentication and consent.
The notification further highlights that NRI applicants must utilize a valid Indian passport as proof of address (POI), while they are free to provide any other Indian address as long as it is accompanied by a valid supporting proof of address (PoA). NRI enrollment requires the completion of a specific declaration, thus candidates are urged to carefully check all information on the screen before submitting.