What OCI status is
Overseas Citizenship of India is granted under Sections 7A to 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955 to eligible persons of Indian origin and spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders. It is not dual citizenship: an OCI cardholder remains a foreign national.
Main benefits
- A multiple-entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa to visit India
- No requirement to register with the police or FRRO for any length of stay
- Parity with NRIs in most economic, financial and educational matters, as notified by the Central Government
- Ability to appear for certain all-India entrance tests, subject to the notified conditions
Restrictions
- No right to vote or to hold constitutional office
- No right to public employment, except as notified
- Cannot acquire agricultural land, plantation property or farmhouses, except by inheritance
- Research, journalism, missionary and mountaineering activities and visits to protected areas need special permission
Cancellation
Under Section 7D, the registration can be cancelled if it was obtained by fraud, if the holder shows disaffection towards the Constitution, or on conviction in certain cases, among other grounds. The holder must be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard. Cancellation orders can be challenged before the High Court.
Frequently asked questions
Can an OCI cardholder buy a flat in Bihar?
Yes, residential and commercial property may generally be acquired under FEMA rules. Agricultural land, plantations and farmhouses cannot be purchased, though they may be inherited.
About the author
Advocate Vivekanand
Founder & Principal Advocate, Vivekanand Law Firm · MA (English), MBA, LL.B., Author. Full profile
This article is general legal information, not legal advice. It does not create an advocate–client relationship. Legal provisions referred to should be verified for your specific situation and the date of the events concerned.