In a major development for non-resident Indians (NRIs) holding foreign passports, the Indian government has announced that they will now be able to obtain an Aadhaar card. This move comes in response to the increasing number of NRIs with foreign passports who wish to have an Aadhaar card for various purposes, including opening bank accounts, investing in the Indian market, and conducting financial transactions in the country.
The Aadhaar card is a unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to residents of India. It serves as a proof of identity and address, as well as a tool for verifying one’s identity electronically. Until now, NRIs with foreign passports were not eligible to apply for an Aadhaar card, as the UIDAI only issued them to Indian residents.
However, in a bid to make the Aadhaar card more accessible to NRIs living abroad, the government has decided to extend the facility to them as well. NRIs with foreign passports will now be able to apply for an Aadhaar card by submitting a set of designated documents, which may include their passport, proof of address abroad, and any other relevant documents as required by the UIDAI.
The decision to allow NRIs with foreign passports to obtain an Aadhaar card is a welcome move for many NRIs who have been facing challenges in conducting various financial and administrative transactions in India. With an Aadhaar card, NRIs will now be able to easily open bank accounts, invest in mutual funds and securities, apply for loans, and conduct other financial transactions in the country.
Moreover, the Aadhaar card will also help NRIs to access various government services and schemes more easily. With the card, NRIs will be able to avail of services such as applying for a PAN card, filing income tax returns, and accessing various welfare schemes and benefits provided by the government.
The move to allow NRIs with foreign passports to obtain an Aadhaar card is expected to have a positive impact on the Indian economy as well. With more NRIs being able to invest and conduct financial transactions in the country, there is likely to be an increase in foreign investments and remittances, which will contribute to economic growth and development.
In addition to the economic benefits, the decision is also likely to strengthen the cultural and emotional ties between NRIs and India. By providing NRIs with a means to easily identify themselves as Indian residents, the Aadhaar card will help to foster a sense of belonging and connection to their homeland, even while living abroad.
Overall, the decision to allow NRIs with foreign passports to obtain an Aadhaar card is a progressive and forward-thinking move by the Indian government. It demonstrates a commitment to facilitating the financial and administrative needs of NRIs, while also recognizing their importance in contributing to the Indian economy and society.
NRIs with foreign passports who are interested in obtaining an Aadhaar card can visit the official website of the UIDAI for more information on the application process and required documents. The move is expected to benefit a large number of NRIs around the world and is a significant step towards further integrating NRIs into the Indian administrative and financial system.
