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"The government has
decided to offer dual citizenship to all overseas Indians who
migrated from the country after January 26, 1950, as long
as their home countries allow dual citizenship under their law"
As stated by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
India now offers Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
to the Indians based all over the world with a few exceptions. Those applicants
who are granted OCI receive a lifelong multiple entry to India. An Overseas
Citizen of India (OCI) status can be applied for by all overseas Indians who
migrated after 26th January, 1950, except those who are now settled in Pakistan
and Bangladesh.
- An expatriate holding OCI does not require visa
for travel to India. That person will however need to present passports of both
the countries while travelling to and from India.
- Once a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) gets OCI,
he is issued a registration certificate and an overseas citizen passport. This
passport along with the passport of the country of which he is resident and
citizen is necessary for travel to India.
- There is no need of going through registration
formalities for staying in the country, which a foreigner is required to
undergo.
- A dual citizen does not need separate
documentation for admission in colleges/institutions or for taking employment.
- The dual citizens have been granted parity with
non-resident Indian in respect of facilities available to the latter in the
economic, financial and educational field.
- The children of dual citizens can avail of the
facilities for obtaining admission to educational institutions, including
medical colleges, engineering colleges, Its, Items, etc. under the general
category.
- The dual citizen can also avail facilities under
the various housing schemes of the LIC, state government and other government
agencies
The OCI seeks to remove the obstacle in travel
to and from India and permit investments in business ventures and foster a
greater sense of belonging.
Privileges enjoyed by Overseas Citizens of India
- Lifelong visa to India for any number of visits,
and for any purpose.
- Enjoy the same benefits as NRIs in economic,
financial and educational fields except in purchase of agricultural property.
- Exclusion from registration with the FRRO.
The OCI status however does not confer any
political rights, or entitle him/her to enjoy the rights extended to an Indian
citizen under Article 16 of the Constitution. Persons registered as OCI cannot
stand for election to either House of Parliament or state council or assembly or
hold Constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, and Judge of the
Supreme Court or High Courts.
The OCI registration certificate, which is printed like the Indian passport,
carries an OCI visa sticker on the holder’s foreign passport.
How to apply for an OCI Card
NRIs/PIOs can apply for the OCI card at all Indian missions outside India and to
Foreigners Regional Officers/CHIO and OCI Cell in Foreigners Division of
Ministry of Home Affairs in India.
Proof to be submitted for registration:
- Documents proving applicant’s
parents/grandparents migration from India after 26th January, 1950
- Documents showing proof of residence in
territories like Goa, Pondicherry, Sikkim which merged with the Indian Union
after 15th August, 1947
- Proof of relationship with parents/grandparents,
on whose basis the applicant is seeking the OCI card.
The application form will have to be accompanied
with a demand draft of USD 275 or equivalent in the local currency as
application fees. If the application is rejected, USD 250 Persons, who have been registered as PIOs by the Government of India and wish to
apply for an OCI status, may submit their application with a fee of US$ 25 or
equivalent in the local currency.
A normal application would be serviced within a month, but in case of a criminal
record, the processing could take 4 months. Every case will be scrutinized by
the security agencies of the Central Government so that an OCI certificate
acquired on the basis of concealed information or falsification can be
cancelled. Such persons would be permanently blacklisted for entry into India.ficate
acquired on the basis of concealed information or falsification can be
cancelled. Such persons would be permanently blacklisted for entry into India.
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