The Constitution of India does not allow holding Indian citizenship and citizenship of a foreign country simultaneously. Based on the recommendation of the High Level committee on Indian Diaspora, the Government of India decided to grant Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) commonly known as ‘Dual Citizenship’.
OCI Scheme has been launched formally by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India during “Pravasi Bhartya Divas (PBD) -2006” celebrations at Hyderabad.
Eligibility Criteria
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) of certain category (decided by Government of India) who migrated from India and acquired citizenship of a foreign country other than Pakistan and Bangladesh, are eligible for grant of OCI as long as their home countries allow dual citizenship in some form or the other under their local laws.
- Minor (Less than 18 years) children, who got foreign citizenship, but whose parents are Indian Citizens are not eligible for OCI Card. However they are eligible for PIO card.
- Minor children, whose parents are qualified for OCI card, are qualified for the OCI card.
- PIO card holders can apply for OCI
Benefits of the OCI Card
OCI Card holders are entitled to the following benefits:
- Multiple entry, multi-purpose life long visa to visit India;
- Exemption from reporting to Police authorities for any length of stay in India; and
- Parity with NRIs in financial, economic and educational fields, except in the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
- Parity with NRIs in respect of :
Entry fee to be charges for visiting the national Monuments , historical sites and museums in India; Pursuing the following professions in India, in pursuance of the provisions contained in the relevant acts, namely:- (a) Doctors, Dentists, Nurses and Pharmacists; (b) Advocates; (c) Architects; & (d) Charted Accountants
Persons registered as OCI have not been given any voting rights, election to Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha/Legislative Assembly/Council, holding Constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, and Judge of Supreme Court/High Court etc. OCI card holders can not purchase agricultural or farm lands.
Please note
- PIO Card is valid for 15 years while OCI card is valid for life.
- PIO Card holders have to register themselves with the nearest Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) if they are staying more than 180 days in India; OCI card holders do not require any such registration, they can live in India for any period of time.
Any further benefits to OCIs, as and when granted, will be notified by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) under section 7B(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
A person registered as OCI is eligible to apply for grant of Indian citizenship under section 5(1)(g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955 if he/she is registered as OCI for five years and has been residing in India for one year out of the five years before making the application.