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The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme was introduced in August 2005 by amending the Citizenship Act, 1955
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It allows registration for Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were Indian citizens on or after January 26, 1950, or who were eligible to become citizens on that date
The Indian Consulate in New York has clarified that there are no new restrictions for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, countering rumors that recently surfaced, the Indian consulate stated in a post on X.
The consulate emphasized that the current regulations, as outlined in the Gazette Notification dated March 4, 2021, remain unchanged.
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OCI holders are exempt from registering with the Foreign Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) for any length of stay in India and enjoy most of the same benefits as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in economic, financial, and educational fields
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However, OCI cardholders are restricted from acquiring agricultural or plantation properties in India
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the consulate assured the Indian American community that no recent changes had been made to the rules governing OCI cardholders. “We have come across reports spreading false information about restrictions on OCI cardholders. We would like to inform our friends in the Indian American community that no new changes have been introduced,” the consulate said.
The provisions outlined in the 2021 Gazette Notification still apply. These include granting OCI cardholders multiple entry, multi-purpose, life-long visas for visiting India.
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