Have you ever wondered what an NRI is or what OCI stands for? If so, you’re not alone. These terms can be confusing, but this article will break them down for you in a way that is easy to understand.
Does India Allow Dual Citizenship?
No, India does not allow dual citizenship. The Constitution of India does not permit its citizens to hold the citizenship of another country simultaneously. However, the Government of India has introduced the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme, which grants certain privileges to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who have acquired citizenship of another country. OCI card holders are granted multiple entry lifelong visa-free travel to India and are eligible for specific economic, educational, and healthcare benefits. However, OCI card holders are not considered Indian citizens and do not have the right to vote, hold public office, or serve in the Indian armed forces.
Who is an NRI?
A NRI is an Indian citizen or someone of Indian origin who resides outside India for more than 182 days in a financial year. NRIs are considered non-residents for tax purposes in India. NRIs play a significant role in the Indian economy by sending remittances home. They also contribute to India’s development through investments and business ventures.
NRIs are eligible for several benefits and concessions in India, such as:
- Exemption from income tax on income earned outside India
- Reduced rates of tax on income earned in India
- Repatriation of foreign exchange earnings
- Ownership of property in India
- Admission to educational institutions in India
- Eligibility for government jobs
NRIs can also avail of several services from the Government of India, such as:
- Assistance with passport and visa applications
- Help with investment and business ventures
- Support for cultural and social activities
The Government of India is committed to providing a supportive environment for NRIs and PIOs.
What is OCI?
The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a form of permanent residency available to people of Indian origin and their spouses, allowing them to live and work in India indefinitely. OCI card holders are not considered Indian citizens but are granted several privileges.
If you are eligible, you can apply for an OCI card at an Indian embassy or consulate. The application process typically takes a few months. Once you have been granted an OCI card, you will be able to live and work in India for an indefinite period. Additionally, you’ll enjoy other privileges listed above. The OCI card is a valuable document for people of Indian origin who wish to maintain close ties with India. It is a convenient way to live, work, and study in India and provides numerous other benefits.
Difference between NRI and OCI
The main difference between an NRI and an OCI is that an NRI is an Indian citizen who resides outside India. At the same time, an OCI is a foreign citizen of Indian origin. NRIs cannot live in India for more than 182 days in a financial year, while OCIs can reside in India indefinitely. NRIs cannot work in India without a valid employment visa, while OCIs can work in India without a visa. Both NRIs and OCIs can own property in India.
Who is Eligible to apply for COI?
The following foreign nationals can apply for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards:
- Individuals who were citizens of India on or after January 26, 1950, the date the Constitution of India came into effect.
- Individuals are eligible to become Indian citizens on January 26, 1950.
- Individuals who belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947.
- Children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of such citizens.
- Minor children of the aforementioned individuals.
- Minor children whose parents/one of the parents are citizens of India.
- The provision applies to the spouses of foreign nationals married to an Indian citizen or an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder. The marriage should be registered and must have lasted at least two years before applying for the provision.
Note: Individuals whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents are or have been citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other country specified by the Central Government through notification in the Official Gazette will not be eligible for registration as OCI Cardholders.
How can one get COI?
Eligible persons can apply online: https://ociservices.gov.in/
Applicants must complete the online application form and upload all required documents (self-attested), photographs, and signatures (for minors who cannot sign, left-hand thumb impression). After applying online, the original supporting documents must be sent to the relevant Indian Mission/Post/FRRO for prior verification.
For applicants outside India:
- Please submit the original supporting documents to the Indian Embassy/Consulate in your country of citizenship.
- If you are not living in the country of your citizenship, submit the original supporting documents to the Indian Mission/Post in the country of which you are ordinarily resident.
For applicants in India:
- If you reside in India, submit the original supporting documents to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) with jurisdiction over your area of residence.
To know the jurisdiction of FRROs, please see “Addresses of offices to submit OCI applications” on the Ministry of Home Affairs website – www.mha.nic.in.
Fee
(a) In case of an application submitted at an Indian Mission/Post abroad, the fee is US $275 or its local currency equivalent.
(b) When submitting an application within India, the fee is Rs. 15,000. Please let me know if you need any further assistance.
Benefits of OCI Card
All benefits available to Indian citizens are subject to notifications issued by the Government occasionally.
(i)OCI cardholders are granted multiple entry lifelong visas for visiting India for any purpose. However, if they wish to undertake research work in India, they must obtain special permission from the Indian Mission/Post/FRRO.
(ii) CI cardholders are exempt from registering with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) for any length of stay in India.
(iii) OCI cardholders are granted the same rights and privileges as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in all economic, financial, and educational fields, except for acquiring agricultural or plantation properties.
(iv)Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are treated on par with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) regarding the inter-country adoption of Indian children. This means they can adopt Indian children through the same process as NRIs.
(v) Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are charged the same fares as resident Indian nationals for domestic air travel within India.
(vi) OCI cardholders pay the same entry fees as Indian visitors to visit national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
(vii) Parity with NRI in respect of:-
(A) OCI cardholders are charged the same entry fees as domestic Indian visitors to visit national monuments, historical sites, and museums in India.
(B) OCI cardholders are eligible to pursue the following professions in India, by the provisions of the relevant Acts: doctors, dentists, nurses and pharmacists; advocates; architects; chartered accountants
(C) Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are eligible to appear for the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) and other entrance examinations for admission to medical and other professional courses in India by the provisions of the relevant Acts.
(viii) State governments must accept the OCI Cardholder registration booklet as proof of identity for all services rendered to OCI cardholders. If proof of residence is needed, OCI cardholders can submit an affidavit attested by a notary public stating that a specific address in India can be considered their place of residence. They may also include their overseas residential and email addresses in the affidavit.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) may notify of any additional benefits granted to Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders under section 7B(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
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