EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OCI CARDHOLDERS                       

An Overseas National of India (OCI) is one who is technically a national of another country, however is granted many rights and freedoms enjoyed by Indians. OCI card is a long term visa given to such voters of different countries who have familial links to India. It entitles them to a lot of advantages similar to what are enjoyed by NRIs and Indian voters.

WHO ARE ELIGIBLE?                                                                                                                   

Following categories of persons (except Pakistan and Bangladesh) are eligible to apply under OCI scheme:

1. Who is a citizen of another country, but was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after, the commencement of the constitution; or
2. Who is a citizen of another country, but was eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of the commencement of the constitution; or
3. Who is a citizen of another country, but belonged to a territory that became part of India after the 15th day of August, 1947; or
4. Who is a child or a grand-child or a great grandchild of such a citizen; or

FOLLOWING PERSONS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OCI

1. Anyone who has a family member–parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents – who presently are or used to be voters of Pakistan or Bangladesh are not eligible for OCI.
2. The Government of India might decide to add other countries to the present list and any additions are going to be declared in the Official Gazette.
3. Even if you meet the standards for OCI, you will be barred if you presently work for or have ever worked for an overseas military in any capability. This conjointly includes any work done as engineers and IT professionals for the ministry of defense of an overseas country.

You also cannot apply for OCI if you are the foreign spouse of a partner who is currently deceased or who you are separated from.

• Children of separated folks, one of whom is Indian, are disqualified from obtaining an OCI card.
• Children also are ineligible if their one Indian parent is currently dead.

BENEFITS FOR OCI CARDHOLDERS                                                                              

(i) Multiple entry and multi-purpose lifelong visa to visit India.

(ii) Exemption from reporting to Police authorities for any length of stay in India; and

(iii)Parity with NRIs in financial, economic, and educational fields except in the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OCI AND NRI                                                                

1. An NRI, or Non-Resident Indian, is anyone who holds an Indian passport however lives and/or works overseas. NRIs relish all the advantages afforded to any national living in India. OCIs do not have several of those rights.
2. NRIs have full voting rights for all Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and Legislative Assembly/Council elections. OCI holders cannot vote in any elections.
3. NRIs can stand for public office. OCI holders cannot.
4. NRIs can buy agricultural land. OCI holders cannot.
5. NRIs can conduct research work without previous permission. OCI holders should get previous permission from the native Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRRO).
6. NRIs pays constant rate as other resident Indians when they visit national parks and monuments and may renew their Indian passport at any Indian mission overseas or in India.