What is OCI card?

My cousin who lives in the Netherlands once told me what is OCI card from Indian embassy, so I can answer your query.

OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) is an immigration status that authorises a foreign citizen of Indian origin to work and live in India for an indefinite time. The Government of India launched the OCI card to meet the demands of the Indians staying overseas who insisted on dual citizenship. They introduced this card in 2005 Since our country didn’t have the option of dual citizenship.

The Constitution of India does not allow an Indian Citizen to possess dual citizenship, so OCI card is the best alternative for several NRIs staying overseas. Please remember that there’s a huge difference between NRI & OCI card.

Advantages of OCI Card

• The Citizenship Act (Section 7 B) offers a person multi-purpose, multiple entries, and a lifelong visa to visit India.

• A person who has the OCI card does not have to report to Police authorities for any length of stay in India;

• Parity with NRIs in educational, economic, and financial fields except in the acquisition of plantation or agricultural properties.

• The MOIA (Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs) will notify any further advantages to OCIs from time to time under the Citizenship Act, 1955 (section 7B(1)).

• An individual registered as OCI can apply for a grant of Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955 (section 5(1)(g)) if they are registered as OCI for 5 years and are ordinarily resident in India for 12 months out of the 5 years before making the application.

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I hope now you have a complete understanding of what is OCI card from Indian embassy.