UPSC Express

• The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is an immigration status permitting a foreign citizen of Indian origin to live and work in India indefinitely.
  
• It was introduced by The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005, in response to the demands for dual citizenship by the Indian diaspora, particularly in developed countries.
  

Eligibility:

• To apply for and use an OCI document, a holder must be a citizen of and hold a passport of another country
  
• The Government of India, on application, may register any person as an Overseas Citizen of India, if the person:
  • Was a citizen of India on or after January 26, 1950 or was eligible to become a citizen of India on January 26, 1950.
    
  • Belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15 August 1947
    
  • Based on parenthood:
    • 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.
      
    
    
  • For a Spouse:
    • Is a spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder registered under section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
      
    • The said marriage should have been registered and subsisted (in existence) for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application.
      
    
    
  
  

Ineligibility

• An applicant is not eligible for the OCI card if he, his parents, grandparents or great grandparents have ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
  
• Persons who served as a member of any foreign military are also ineligible to receive an OCI card.
  

Privileges under OCI

• Multiple-entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa to visit India.
  
• Exemption from reporting to Police authorities for any length of stay in India.
  
• Parity (Equality in status) with non-resident Indians in financial, economic and educational fields except in the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
  
• They can open special bank accounts in India and also apply for a driver’s license and PAN card.
  
• If an individual is registered as an OCI for a period of five years, he/she iseligible to apply for Indian citizenship.
  

Restrictions under OCI

• As the Constitution of India prevents Indian citizens from holding dual citizenship, the OCI is not actual citizenship of India according to Indian law and has the following limitations:
  • OCIs do not have the right to vote.
    
  • OCIs do not have the right to hold the offices of Prime Minister, President, Vice-President, Judge of Supreme Court and High Court, member of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Legislative Assembly, or Council.
    
  • OCIs do not have the right to any public services (government jobs).
    
  • OCIs do not have the right to hold farmland (agricultural property).