What does OCI stand for in the context of Indian citizenship?

The correct answer is Overseas Citizen of India.

Key Points

• The term Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) refers to a category of citizenship introduced by the Government of India for foreign nationals of Indian origin.
• OCI holders are eligible for a lifelong visa to visit India multiple times without requiring special permissions.
• The scheme was first introduced in 2005 under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act to address the needs of the Indian diaspora.
• OCI cardholders enjoy several rights such as exemption from registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for any length of stay in India.
• However, OCI cardholders are not considered Indian citizens and do not have voting rights, employment in government positions, or access to agricultural property.

Additional Information

• OCI Card Eligibility:
  • Foreign nationals who were eligible to become Indian citizens on January 26, 1950, or belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947, can apply.
  • Children and grandchildren of such persons are also eligible, excluding those whose parents/grandparents hold citizenship of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
• OCI Benefits:
  • OCI cardholders can access certain economic, financial, and educational privileges within India.
  • They can work in private-sector jobs and access healthcare and educational facilities at par with Indian residents.
• Restrictions for OCI Cardholders:
  • OCI cardholders cannot vote in Indian elections, hold public offices, or buy agricultural land.
  • They are not allowed to work in government positions, including defense services.
• OCI vs PIO:
  • OCI replaced the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card scheme in 2015 to simplify diaspora benefits.
  • Existing PIO cardholders were automatically converted to OCI cardholders.