Overseas Citizenship of India: Everything About OCI Cards

Overseas Citizenship of India: In the midst of the present India-Canada dispute, India is in the process of revoking the OCI cards of more than a dozen holders due to their involvement in pro-Khalistan activities and anti-India propaganda, according to two people with knowledge of the development. This action coincides with India’s suspension of visa services in its Canadian missions as well as its directive to reduce its diplomatic staff there.

The ministry of external affairs website states that as of January 31st, 2022, 4.06 million OCI registration cards had been issued.

The central government may also terminate an OCI registration if “the overseas citizen of India has shown disaffection towards the Constitution of India as by law established,” and if “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.”

What is Overseas Citizenship of India?

Indians living abroad are granted the title of Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). It enables long-term visa-free travel and residence in India and grants cardholders a variety of benefits often unavailable to visitors.

Who qualifies for an OCI card?

According to the ministry, a foreign national must meet one of the following criteria: (i) be an Indian citizen at the time of, or at any time after, January 26, 1950; (ii) be qualified to become an Indian citizen at that time; (iii) be a member of a territory that joined India after August 15, 1947; (iv) be a child, grandchild, or great grandchild of such a citizen; (v) be a minor child of such persons mentioned above.

Additionally, spouses of foreign origin of Indian citizens or spouses of foreign origin of holders of Overseas Citizen of India cards who have been married for a continuous period of at least two years prior to the submission of the application are also eligible to register as OCI cardholders.

A person is ineligible to register as an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder if they, or either of their parents, grandparents, or great grandparents, are or were citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or another nation.

OCI cards Benefits

• An OCI card bearer can travel to India on several occasions and for a variety of purposes;
• Additional perks include equal access to financial, economic, and educational opportunities with NRIs, with the exception of the purchase of agricultural or plantation holdings, and immunity from reporting to police authorities for any duration of stay in India.

Where can I register?

The official website, ociservices.gov.in, is where you may submit an online application for OCI registration.