Question map
Overseas citizens of India (as per Overseas Citizenship of India Scheme as operational from December 2005) shall not be entitled to
Explanation
The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme, introduced in December 2005, provides several benefits to registered individuals but explicitly excludes certain political and constitutional rights. According to official guidelines, an OCI cardholder is entitled to a multiple-entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa to visit India [6]. They are also exempted from reporting to police authorities (FRRO/FRO) regardless of the length of their stay [5]. Furthermore, they enjoy parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in financial, economic, and educational fields, with the specific exception of acquiring agricultural or plantation properties [6]. However, OCI cardholders are not considered dual citizens as the Indian Constitution forbids dual nationality. Consequently, they are not entitled to voting rights in India, nor can they hold constitutional posts such as President, Vice-President, or Member of Parliament [4].
Sources
- [1] https://ociservices.gov.in/
- [6] https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/CountryQuickLink/703_PIO-OCI.pdf
- [3] https://www.mea.gov.in/overseas-citizenship-of-india-scheme.htm
- [5] https://eoi.gov.in/eoisearch/MyPrint.php?3929?001/0019
- [2] https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/page/oci-faqs/
- [4] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 7: Citizenship > OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP OF INDIA > p. 67