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Introduction
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) holders are those who have obtained citizenship of a foreign country but have Indian origins. The OCI scheme was introduced by the Indian government in 2005 to provide certain benefits to OCI cardholders. OCI cardholders enjoy many benefits while travelling to India, such as multiple entries, lifelong validity, and exemption from registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) for any length of stay in India.
Eligibility for OCI Card
People of Indian origin who have been living outside India for a continuous period of five years and their descendants are eligible to apply for OCI card. However, there are certain restrictions in place for individuals who have held political positions or have been involved in military activities.
OCI Card Application Process
The application process for the OCI card is completely online. Applicants need to submit their personal details, address, and upload a photograph and signature. The process usually takes around 4-6 weeks for processing. After the application is approved, the applicant receives the OCI card through mail to their foreign address.
Travelling to India with OCI Card
OCI cardholders do not require a visa to enter India. They can enter and exit India multiple times without any restrictions, as long as they have a valid passport and OCI card. However, OCI cardholders are required to carry their OCI card and passport at all times while travelling to India.
Restrictions for OCI Cardholders
OCI cardholders are not allowed to work as journalists, missionaries or undertake any missionary activities in India. They are also not allowed to engage in mountaineering or other adventure sports without permission from the Indian government.
OCI Card Renewal
The OCI card is valid for the lifetime of the cardholder. However, the card needs to be renewed whenever the cardholder obtains a new passport or turns 20, 30, or 50 years of age. The renewal process is also online and requires submission of personal and passport details, and a new photograph and signature.
Conclusion
OCI cardholders enjoy many benefits while travelling to India. The process of obtaining the OCI card is straightforward, and with multiple entries and lifelong validity, it is a convenient option for those who frequently travel to India. However, it is important to be aware of the restrictions in place for OCI cardholders to avoid any legal complications.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do OCI cardholders require a visa to enter India? | No, OCI cardholders do not require a visa to enter India. |
| What restrictions are in place for OCI cardholders? | OCI cardholders are not allowed to work as journalists, missionaries, or engage in mountaineering or other adventure sports without permission from the Indian government. |
| How can OCI cardholders renew their OCI card? | The renewal process is online and requires submission of personal and passport details, and a new photograph and signature. |