1. The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme was introduced by amending the Citizenship Act, 1955 in August 2005. The Scheme provides for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) of all Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India on 26th January, 1950 or thereafter or were eligible to become citizens of India on 26th January, 1950 except who is or had been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify.

2. A registered Overseas Citizen of India is granted multiple entry, multipurpose, life-long visa for visiting India, he/she is exempted from registration with Foreign Regional Registration Officer or Foreign Registration Officer for any length of stay in India, and is entitled to general 'parity with Non-Resident Indians 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'. Detailed instructions and procedures/benefits of the OCI Scheme are available on the OCI website: https://ociservices.gov.in/

3. OCI cardholder is NOT entitled to:-

• OCI is not to be misconstrued as 'dual citizenship'. OCI does not confer political rights to vote;

• to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India;

• to hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc.;

• He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government;

• to undertake any Missionary work, Mountaineering and Journalism work without prior permission of the Govt. of India;

• OCI cardholder shall also require Protected Area Permit (PAP)/Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit any place which falls within the Protected/Restricted Area notified by the Government as in the case of any other foreigner.

4. Cancellation of registration as OCI

• The Central Government may, by order, cancel the registration granted under sub-section(1) of section 7A if it is satisfied that

• The registration as an overseas citizen of India was obtained by means of fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact.

• The overseas citizen of India has shown disaffection towards the Constitution of India as by law established.

• the overseas citizen of India has, during any war in which India may bee engaged, unlawfully traded or communicated with an enemy or been engaged in, or associated with, any business or commercial activity that was to his knowledge carried on in such manner as to assist an enemy in that war.

• The overseas citizen of India has, within five years after registration under sub-section(1) of section 7A has been sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years.

• It is necessary so to do in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of India, friendly relations of India with any foreign country, or in the interests of the general public.