Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Program

What is it?

A legal status permitting foreign nationals of Indian heritage to reside, work, and travel in India without the need for frequent visa applications.

Inaugurated in: 2005

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA)

Goal:

Enhance connectivity between India and its expatriate community.

Grant long-term residency and travel advantages to individuals of Indian descent.

Main Characteristics:

Eligibility: Individuals who were citizens of India on or after 26 January 1950, or their offspring (excluding those possessing Pakistani/Bangladeshi citizenship in themselves or through ancestry).

Visa Advantages: Permanent, multi-entry, versatile visa for traveling to India.

Economic & Educational Rights: Entitlement to possess property (excluding agricultural/plantation land), seek education, and make investments in India.

No Political Rights: Ineligible to vote or occupy constitutional positions.

Concerning the updated regulations as per the MHA Notification:

Reasons for Cancellation of OCI Registration (according to clause (da) of Section 7D, Citizenship Act, 1955):

Conviction-Based: Imprisoned for a term of two years or longer.

Charge-Sheet Based: Charged for crimes that carry a punishment of seven years or longer.

Regardless of Jurisdiction: Relevant whether the conviction/charge-sheet occurs in India or internationally, as long as the offence is acknowledged under Indian law.

Additional Existing Reasons (currently established by law):

Deception or hiding in acquiring OCI.

Alienation from the Constitution.

Illicit commerce/contact with the adversary in times of conflict.

Actions that undermine the sovereignty, integrity, security of India, diplomatic relations, or the public good