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Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)
The Constitution of India does not allow holding Indian citizenship and citizenship of a foreign country simultaneously. Based on the recommendation of the High Level committee on Indian Diaspora, the Government of India decided to grant Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) commonly known as ‘dual citizenship’. Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) of certain category who migrated from India and acquired citizenship of a foreign country other than Pakistan and Bangladesh, are eligible for grant of OCI as long as their home countries allow dual citizenship in some form or the other under their local laws. -
Benefits to a OCI
Registered OCIs shall be entitled to following benefits:- Multiple entry, multi-purpose life long visa to visit India;
- Exemption from reporting to Police authorities for any length of stay in India; and
- Parity with NRIs in financial, economic and educational fields except in the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
- Any further benefits to OCIs will be notified by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) under section 7B(1) of the Citizenship Act,1955.
Persons registered as OCI have not been given any voting rights,election to Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha/Legislative Assembly/Council, holding Constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court/High Court etc.Persons registered as OCI have not been given any voting rights,election to Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha/Legislative Assembly/Council, holding Constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court/High Court etc. -
Eligibility For OCI
A foreign national, who was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at anytime after 26.01.1950 orbelonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947 and his/her children and grand children, provided his/her country of citizenship allows dual citizenship in some form or other under the local laws, is eligible for registration as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Minor children of such persons 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.
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Fee For OCI
Applications made outside India:
Adult/ Child : US $ 275 for each applicant or equivalent in local currency
PIO Card Holder Adult : US $ 25 or equivalent in local currency for each PIO card holder
PIO Card Holder Minor : US $145 or equivalent in local currency
Application Made in India :
Adult/ Child : Rs.14,230/-
PIO Card Holder Adult : Rs.1,290/-
PIO Card Holder Minor : Rs.7000/-
applicant or equivalent in local currencyapplicant or equivalent in local currency
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