Overseas Citizen of India
OCI Card is a lifelong Visa to India. Cardholders can stay, work, start a new business, and study in India. A person whose parents or grandparents are Indian passport holders or a foreign passport holder who got married to an Indian is eligible for it. In this article, we are sharing with you the in-depth knowledge about it.
What is the Full Form of OCI Card?
Its full form is Overseas Citizen of India. It is issued by the FRRO in India and outside the India Embassy to Indian origin persons who are married to Indian OCI and Indian passport holders.
Can You Live in India Permanently on an OCI?
Yes, OCI holders can reside in India indefinitely, but they need to update their passport details whenever they renew their foreign passport.
Rights and Privileges of Holding an OCI in India
An OCI cardholder has lots of benefits compared to a visa holder. They can work, study, and much more. Here we are sharing some benefits of holding an OCI.
- Lifelong Stay Permission – It can stay in India for a lifetime and don’t need to register with the FRRO. They only need to update their passport details whenever they renew their foreign passport.
- Employment and Starting a Business – An OCI holder can work in India and start a new business in India. They cannot apply for government jobs.
- Property Ownership – They can purchase properties in India for work and business, but not for agriculture and plantation.
- Education Rights – An OCI holder can study in schools and colleges in India.
- Financial Rights – They can open a bank account in Indian government and private banks.
- Driving Licence – OCI holders are eligible to apply for a driving licence in India.
- PAN Card – They can also apply for a PAN Card in India.
Restrictions & Limitations on OCI Holders
OCI cardholders have many restrictions in India. They have more benefits than other visas but, not more than Indian passport holders in India.
- No Right to Contest Elections — An OCI cardholder does not have the right to contest elections in India.
- No Right to Vote — They do not have any right to vote in India.
- No Government Jobs — OCI cardholders cannot work in any government agency or any government positions as per Indian law.
- Restricted to Purchase Agricultural Land or Farmland — An OCI cardholder cannot purchase any agricultural land or farmland in India.
- Work Limitations — They cannot work in journalism, defense, or research fields in India.
Can OCI Card Be Revoked?
Yes, the Government of India has the right to revoke or cancel the Card under these circumstances.
- Violation of Indian laws.
- Violation of immigration law
- Engaging in anti-national activities.
- Providing false and wrong documents during the application. Process.
- Doing unethical work in India.
Is OCI Card a substitute for an Indian passport?
No, it’s not a substitute for Indian citizenship in India. Indian passport holders have all the rights to work, political rights, and the right to purchase any property in India, but an OCI card holder can’t do it. If an OCI card holder wants all these rights, they need to apply for foreign passport renunciation, and after that, they can apply for an Indian passport.
India does not allow dual citizenship.
Conclusion
Yes, as an OCI Card holder, you can stay in India permanently without any registration and restrictions in India. But OCI cardholders have benefits and restrictions in India. If you want to know more about how to apply for an OCI card and the documents checklist for an OCI card application, you can read our other articles and consult with our team.
Learn More:- https://fargoworldwide.com/overseas-citizenship-of-india/