The central government has been contacted by the Delhi High Court regarding a petition challenging the cancellation of an individual’s Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card.
Overseas Citizen
- The government created the category of OCI in 2005.
- OCI cards are only valid for Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who fall under one of the categories listed in the Citizenship Act of 1955.
- Before the government consolidated the PIO and OCI card categories in 2015, some perks were different for PIO and OCI cardholders.
- Among other eligibility requirements, the MHA defines an OCI as someone who was an Indian citizen on or after January 26, 1950, or who was qualified to obtain Indian citizenship on that day, or who is the child or grandchild of such a person.
- A candidate is ineligible for the OCI card under Section 7A of the rules if he, his parents, or his grandparents have ever held the citizenship of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
Privileges to an OCI
- OCI cardholders are exempt from registering with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) regardless of the length of their stay, are eligible for multiple entry into India, receive a multipurpose lifelong visa to visit India.
- An individual is qualified to apply for Indian citizenship if they have been registered as an OCI for five years.
- OCI cardholders are given access to special immigration desks at all international airports in India.
- Owners of OCI cards are eligible to open special bank accounts in India, purchase non-farm property, exercise ownership rights, and apply for a driver’s licence and PAN card, among other things.
- OCI cardholders cannot, however, vote, hold a government position, or buy farm or agricultural land.
- Additionally, they are not allowed to enter elections or enter restricted places without official authorization.