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OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP OF INDIA (OCI)

  • May 20, 2021
  • Posted by: Admin
  • Category: others
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OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP OF INDIA (OCI)

CONTEXT – Recently, government held that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders do not enjoy fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

A person with OCI status is not an Indian citizen. The person does not have voting rights in India, nor can contest elections or hold any constitutional office.
ABOUT OCI SCHEME
  • OCI Scheme was introduced by amending the Citizenship Act, 1955 in August 2005.
  • OCI card was conceptualised to give a foreign citizen of Indian origin almost a citizen-like status.
  • A foreign national, who was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at any time after 26.01.1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947 is eligible for registration as OCI.
  • Minor children of such person are also eligible for OCI.
  • However, if the applicant had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for OCI.
  • OCIs enjoys all financial, recreational and other facilities that are available to NRIs.
  • OCI have been granted statutory rights under the Citizenship Act, 1955. Therefore, the nature of right granted depends on policy of Central government.
  • A registered OCI is granted multiple entry, multipurpose, life-long visa for visiting India.
  • OCI is entitled to general parity with Non- Resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of all facilities available to them in economic, financial and educational fields except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
  • A registered OCI is exempted from registration with Foreign Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreign Registration Officer for any length of stay in India.

 

WHAT ARE THE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF OCI?
  • Apart from the benefits of PIO, the OCI can attain Indian citizenship and then live in India for a period of one year including short breaks, if they remain an OCI for 5 years.
Both OCI and PIO cannot vote, hold a government job or purchase agricultural or farmland. They also cannot run for public office or travel to restricted areas without permission.
  • An OCI cards holder can open special bank accounts in India just like NRIs and make investments.
  • They can also buy non-farm property and exercise ownership rights.
  • They can apply for a driver’s license and PAN card.
  • They get the same economic, financial and educational benefits like NRIs and they can also adopt children.