India Clarifies Rights Available To Oci Cardholders

In a post on X, the Bureau reiterated that OCI cardholders can stay in India indefinitely, except in the case of certain foreign spouses. They are also exempt from registration with the FRRO or FRO.

The Bureau said OCI cardholders enjoy parity with Indian citizens in areas such as domestic airfare and entry fees at national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, national monuments, historical sites and museums.

OCI cardholders also enjoy parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in several matters. These include eligibility for inter-country adoption of Indian children, subject to rules, and appearing for national entrance exams such as NEET, JEE Main and JEE Advanced.

They are also allowed to buy and sell immovable property in India, except agricultural land, farmhouses and plantation property.

The OCI scheme was introduced under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005. OCI cardholders are persons of Indian origin who receive lifelong visa and residency privileges while retaining their foreign citizenship. However, the scheme does not amount to dual citizenship, as India does not allow dual nationality.

The new rules also prohibit minor children from holding both an Indian passport and a foreign passport at the same time. They also give applicants whose OCI or citizenship applications are rejected a formal right to appeal.

Earlier amendments, which came into effect on April 8, removed the previous requirement that applicants in India must complete six months of residence before applying for OCI status.

The Bureau also made it clear that OCI cardholders are not Indian citizens. Therefore, they cannot vote in elections or hold constitutional offices such as Member of Parliament, Member of a State Legislative Assembly or judge.

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