Source: BS
Context: During his official visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister announced that Indian-origin citizens up to the sixth generation in the country will now be eligible for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards.
About Overseas Citizen of India (OCI):
- What it is?
- OCI is a form of permanent residency provided to foreign nationals of Indian origin, allowing them to live, work, or travel to India without needing a visa.
- Launched in: August 2005, under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005
- Administering Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
- Objective:
-
- To connect India with its global diaspora by granting them long-term rights to stay and engage in India’s economic and cultural life, without granting dual citizenship.
- Eligibility (as per Section 7A of Citizenship Act, 1955)
-
- Foreign citizens who:
- Were Indian citizens after 26 January 1950
- Were eligible for Indian citizenship on 26 January 1950
- Belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15 August 1947
- Their:
- Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren
- Others:
- Minor children with one or both parents as Indian citizens
- Spouses of Indian citizens or OCI holders (if marriage has lasted 2+ years)
- Not Eligible:
- If the applicant or their ancestors were citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or countries notified by the Indian government.
- Foreign citizens who:
- Key Features of OCI Card:
-
- Multiple-entry, lifelong visa to India.
- No police reporting even for extended stays.
- Employment rights without needing a visa.
- Parity with NRIs in education, finance, housing, and property (except farmland).
- Can buy residential and commercial property in India.
- No dual citizenship, but access to most rights except voting and constitutional offices.
- Online application and status tracking through the OCI portal.
