Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)

The OCI is an immigration status permitting a foreign citizen of Indian origin to live and work in the India indefinitely.

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)is a citizen of another country except for Bangladesh and Pakistan but:

1. Was a citizen of India after the commencement of the constitution.
2. Was eligible for a citizen of India at the time of the constitution formulation.
3. Was part of a territory that is now part of India after 15th Aug 1947.

Apart from this, some other people who are eligible to become OCI card are:

1. The grandchild or great-grandchild or child of the citizens mentioned above.
2. The minor child of such a citizen mentioned above.
3. A minor whose both or one of the parents is a citizen of India.
4. Spouse of an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder and foreign origin of a citizen of India as per section 7A, Citizenship Act 1955.

The OCI Card is a lifetime visa status which allows a foreign citizen of Indian origin to live and work in India indefinitely. To apply and use of OCI, a person must be a citizen of a foreign country and hold a passport of that country. OCI restricts the person from the right to vote, hold constitutional offices, and right to buy agricultural properties in India.

 

 

Answered on 2019-07-19

1. 1. Who is an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)?

   An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) is a citizen of any other country (except for Bangladesh and Pakistan) who is allowed to live or work in India for an indefinite period.

   To be eligible to apply for OCI registration which allows life-time free visa-free travelling to India, the foreign citizen needs to qualify as an ordinary resident of India by staying for a continuous period of 6 months.

   An OCI card is given to a foreign citizen who:

   • was a citizen or eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after 26th January 1950;
   • belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15th August 1947;
   • is a child or a grandchild or a great-grandchild of such a citizen;
   • is a minor child of such persons mentioned above;
   • is a minor child and whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India.
   • Is a spouse of an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder and foreign origin of a citizen of India as per section 7A, Citizenship Act 1955.

   OCI restricts the person from the right to vote, hold constitutional offices, and right to buy agricultural properties in India.

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2. 2. Does the Indian Constitution Allow Dual Citizenship?

   No, the Indian constitution does not allow dual citizenship which means a person cannot have a passport of another country along with an Indian passport.

   Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is the closest thing to dual citizenship for Indian that is offered by the Indian constitution. But, it doesn't grant an Indian passport or dual citizenship to a person.

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