Overseas Citizens of India

June 29, 2005

The Government of India is currently in the process of preparing a scheme to register 'Overseas Indian Citizens' (OCI) and to provide them with a special life long visa. The Citizenship Act (1955) was recently amended by the Parliament in this regard and assent of the President is awaited.

Some of the important features of this scheme are: 

• The facility would be available to persons of Indian origin located in all countries except Pakistan and Bangladesh. The concerned country should however have the provision of dual citizenship in some form or the other.

• The application form has been simplified bringing in clarity and transparency.

• One application form would suffice for a family 

• A person would be able to apply for overseas citizenship in their country of citizenship, and also in any other country where he/she is ordinarily residing.

• There is no need for any oath of allegiance.

• The fees for OCI would be $ 275 and for PIO card holders $ 25. 

• Indian missions would be authorized to grant OCI within 15 days for applicants having no criminal record.

• OCI will be issued a new type of visa called ‘U’ visa which is multi-purpose, multiple entry with no time limit on length of stay and no requirement of police reporting. 

• OCI would be granted all rights in the field of economic, financial and educational fields, in parity with NRIs. ( They would not however have any rights respect to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.)***
  
  Please await further details in the above regard. The scheme is yet to be formally launched and no application is being received at this stage from OICs.

  *** Source: Ministry of Home Affairs Press Release, June 29, 2005