Overseas Citizenship of India

As you all know, India officially announced Dual Citizenship to NRIs. I just came across an article on this subject, so I thought of sharing with all of you. Inspite of all this hoopla about "Dual Citizenship", NRIs won't actually be getting an Indian citizenship. What they can get is more like a long term free visa to India. Indian government calls it the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI).

The Indian Govt. is going to give the first OCI on the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas day (Jan 7th) to a NRI in our own Hyderabad.

Having an OCI is not the same as having an Indian citizenship.

Limitations of OCI:

• Cannot Vote
• Cannot hold Indian passport
• Cannot be a candidate for Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha/ Legislative Assembly/Council
• Cannot hold constitutional positions like President/Supreme Court Judge/High Court etc.
• Cannot be a Govt. Employee

Advantages of OCI:

• Free Life Long Visa to visit India
• Exemption from reporting to Police authorities for any length of stay

For more information follow this link: http://www.immihelp.com/nri/dual.html