Overseas Citizenship of India

Overseas Citizenship of India
Front cover of an OCI card[1] issued on or after 15 April 2021
First issued9 January 2006; 18 years ago (9 January 2006) (first version)
9 January 2015 (second version)
15 April 2021 (current version)
PurposeVisa, Identification,
permanent residency
Eligibilitysee eligibility
Cost₹15000 (In India)
US $275 (abroad)
Renewal ₹1400 (In India)
Renewal US $25 (abroad)
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Data page of an OCI card issued on or after 9 January 2015

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a form of permanent residency available to people of Indian origin which allows them to live and work in India indefinitely. It allows the cardholders a lifetime entry to the country along with benefits such as being able to own land and make other investments in the country.[2]

Despite its name, OCI is not recognized as citizenship by the Republic of India or by the majority of nations worldwide and it does not grant the right to vote in Indian elections or hold public office.[3][4] The Indian government can revoke OCI status in a wide variety of circumstances. In addition, the OCI card is only valid with a valid foreign passport. As of 2022, there are 4 million holders of OCI cards among the Indian Overseas diaspora.[5]

The OCI scheme was introduced by The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003 in response to demands for dual citizenship by the Indian diaspora. It provides overseas citizens many of the rights available to resident citizens.

OCI status is not available to anyone who has ever been a Pakistani or Bangladeshi citizen, or who is a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of such a person.

  1. ^ Despite its name, it is a booklet instead of a card
  2. ^ Tulshyan, Ruchika (20 March 2015). "When Indians Renounce Their Citizenship: An Expat Explains". Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 26 August 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2023. The OCI Card grants people of Indian origin with other passports a lifetime entry to India and several economic benefits such as being able to own land and investments in India.
  3. ^ "Overseas Citizenship of India Scheme". Ministry of External Affairs, India. Archived from the original on 2020-11-05. Retrieved 2020-11-04.
  4. ^ "Dual Nationality". U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India. U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India, US State Department, US Government. Archived from the original on 22 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  5. ^ "MEA India".