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NRI |
OCI |
| 1.Who ? |
An Indian citizen who is ordinarily residing outside India and holds an Indian Passport |
A person registered as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) under section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 |
| 2. Who is eligible? |
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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 or belonged 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 Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Minor children of such person 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. |
| 3.How can one get ? |
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Eligible persons to apply on line/down load application form from MHA’s website: www.mha.nic.in |
| 4. Where to apply? |
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To the Indian Mission/Post of the country of applicant’s citizenship or where he/she is not in the country of citizenship, to the Indian Mission/Post of the country in which he/she is ordinarily resident. If the applicant is in India, he/she can apply to the FRRO at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkota, Amritsar, CHIO, Chennai or to the Under Secretary, OCI Cell, Citizenship Section, Foreigners Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, NDCC-II Building, Jai Singh Road, New Delhi- 110001. |
| 5. Fees? |
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US $ 275 or equivalent in local currency. In case of PIO card holders, it is US $ 25 or equivalent in local currency. |
| 6.Which nationals are eligible? |
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PIOs of all countries except Pakistan and Bangladesh. |
| 7.What benefits one is entitled to? |
All benefits as available to Indian citizen subject to notifications issued by the Government from time to time |
(i) A multiple entry multi-purpose life long visa for visiting India.
(ii) Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India.
(iii) Parity with Non resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties. No parity shall be allowed in the sphere of political rights. Any other benefits to OCIs will be notified by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) under Section 7B(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. |
| 8.Does he/she require visa for visiting India? |
No |
Can visit India without visa for life long. |
| 9.Is he required to register with local police authorities in India? |
No |
No |
| 10.What activities can be undertaken in India? |
All activities |
All activities except mountaineering, missionary and research work and existing PAP/RAP which require specific permit. |
| 11.How can one acquire Indian citizenship |
He/she is an Indian citizen |
Registered OCI may be granted Indian citizenship after 5 years from date of registration provided he/she stays for one year in India before making application |
