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, multi-purpose, 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 card-holder is NOT entitled to:-
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OCI is not to be misconstrued as 'dual citizenship'. OCI does not confer political rights to vote;
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To be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India;
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To hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc.;
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He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government;
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To undertake any Missionary work, Mountaineering and Journalism work without prior permission of the Govt. of India;
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OCI card-holder 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.
