Context:

Recently the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation launched the new Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Portal in New Delhi.

About Overseas Citizen of India:

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme was introduced by amending the Citizenship Act, 1955, in August 2005. 

Eligibility for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

• The Central Government may grant Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) to a foreign national who meets certain criteria, subject to prescribed conditions and restrictions. A foreign national is eligible to apply for OCI if they:

1. Were a citizen of India at any time after January 26, 1950, or at that time.
2. Were eligible to become a citizen of India on January 26, 1950.
3. Belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947.
4. Are the child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of a citizen of India.
5. Are a minor child of any of the above-mentioned individuals.
6. Are a minor child, and both parents are citizens of India or one parent is a citizen of India.

• Additionally, the spouse of a foreign national who is a citizen of India or an OCI Cardholder is also eligible to apply for OCI, provided their marriage is registered and has been in existence for at least two years immediately before submitting the application.
• However, individuals or their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents who have been citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other country specified by the Central Government in an official notification, are not eligible to apply for OCI.
• To qualify for OCI registration in India, the applicant must be an "ordinarily resident" of India, which means the individual must have resided in India for at least six continuous months.

Overseas Citizenship of India Benefits

• Multi-purpose, multiple entries, and a lifelong visa for visiting India. 
• Exemption from foreigner registration obligation for any length of stay in India. 
• Equivalence to NRIs in respect of economic, financial, educational fields. An exception in the matter of acquisition of agricultural and plantation properties. 
• Equality with NRIs for intercountry adoption. 
• Offer similar domestic airfare charges to OCI cardholders as of a resident Indian national. 
• Equality with an Indian national for entry fees to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. 
• The OCI cardholder professionals have the opportunity to pursue the profession in pursuance of the provisions contained in the relevant act, such as Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Pharmacists, Advocates, Architects and Chartered Accountants. 
  • However, these professionals are required to appear for the All India Pre-Medical test or any such other relevant test for eligibility towards admission in fulfilment of the provisions contained in the applicable act. 

What Are All Overseas Citizenship of India Cardholders Not Entitled to?

• OCI is not to be misconstrued as 'dual citizenship'. OCI does not confer political rights to vote;
• to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India;
• to hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc.;
• He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government;
• to undertake any Missionary work, Mountaineering and Journalism work without prior permission of the Govt. of India;
• OCI card holders shall also require Protected Area Permit (PAP)/Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit any place which falls within the Protected/Restricted Area notified by the Government as in the case of any other foreigner.

Renunciation of Overseas Citizenship of India

• If any overseas citizen of India of full age and capacity makes in the prescribed manner a declaration renouncing his overseas citizenship of India, the declaration shall be registered by the Central Government, and; upon such registration, that person shall cease to be an OCI.
• Where a person ceases to be an overseas citizen of India under subsection (1), every minor child of that person registered as an OCI, shall thereupon cease to be an OCI.

Cancellation of Registration as Overseas Citizenship of India

• The Central Government may, by order, cancel the registration granted under sub-section(1) of section 7A if it is satisfied that
  • The registration as an OCI was obtained by means of fraud, false representation, or the concealment of any material fact.
  • The OCI has shown disaffection towards the Constitution of India as by law established.
  • The OCI has, during any war in which India may be engaged, unlawfully traded or communicated with an enemy or been engaged in, or associated with, any business or commercial activity that was to his knowledge carried on in such a manner as to assist an enemy in that war.
  • The OCI has, within five years after registration, been sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years.
  • It is necessary to do so in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of India, friendly relations of India with any foreign country, or in the interests of the general public.