Why in news?
During his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, the Prime Minister announced that Indian‑origin persons up to the sixth generation will now be eligible for Overseas Citizen of India cards.
What is an OCI?
- Permanent residency: OCI is a form of permanent residency for foreign nationals of Indian origin, granting multiple-entry, lifelong visas to live and work in India without the need for regular visas.
- Established: Introduced in August 2005 under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005 and administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Eligibility: Foreign citizens who were Indian citizens on or after 26 January 1950, eligible for Indian citizenship on that date, or belonging to territories that became part of India after 15 August 1947; their children, grandchildren and great‑grandchildren; minor children of Indian citizens; and spouses of Indian citizens or OCI holders (if married for at least two years). Citizens or ancestors of Pakistan and Bangladesh are not eligible.
- Key features: Multiple‑entry lifelong visa; no need for police registration; employment and property rights comparable to NRIs (except in agricultural land); no dual citizenship or voting rights; online application and status tracking.
Expanding OCI eligibility strengthens ties between India and its diaspora, promoting cultural and economic engagement.