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India clarifies rights available to OCI cardholders
Immigration Bureau highlights travel, residency, education, and property rights.
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Ankita Baidya - Tue, 30, Jun 2026
- 04:26 EDT
- 20
he Bureau of Immigration has outlined the rights and benefits available to Overseas Citizen of India cardholders. / File Photo / Gemini
The Bureau of Immigration (BoI) has outlined the rights and benefits available to Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, reiterating the privileges granted under the OCI scheme in a post on X.
According to the Bureau, OCI cardholders can stay in India indefinitely, except in the case of certain foreign spouses, and are exempt from registering with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO).
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The Bureau said OCI cardholders enjoy parity with Indian citizens for domestic airfare and entry fees at national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, national monuments, historical sites, and museums across the country.
It also highlighted that OCI cardholders receive parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in several areas. These include eligibility for inter-country adoption of Indian children, subject to applicable procedures, and the ability to appear for national entrance examinations such as NEET, JEE (Main), and JEE (Advanced). OCI cardholders are also permitted to buy and sell immovable property in India, except agricultural land, farmhouses, and plantation property.
The OCI scheme was introduced under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005. Under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, OCI cardholders are persons of Indian origin who are granted lifelong visa and residency privileges while retaining their foreign citizenship. The scheme does not confer dual citizenship, as Indian law does not permit dual nationality. According to immigration guidance portal Visament, about 40.68 lakh OCI cards had been issued as of January 31, 2022, citing government data.
The Bureau's reminder follows recent changes to the OCI framework. The Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026, notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs on April 30, shifted OCI registration, renewal, and renunciation to a fully digital platform and introduced an electronic OCI (e-OCI) credential alongside the physical card. The rules also prohibit minor children from simultaneously holding an Indian passport and a foreign passport and provide applicants whose OCI or citizenship applications are rejected with a formal right to appeal.
What rights does holding an OCI Card give you?
— Bureau of Immigration, Government of India (@BOIndiaOfficial) June 29, 2026
Benefits:
➤ Can stay in India indefinitely (except in case of Foreign Spouse)
➤ Exemption from registration with FRRO/ FRO
Parity with Indian nationals:
➤ In airfare for the domestic sector in India
➤ Entry fee at national…
Earlier amendments that came into effect on April 8 removed the previous requirement for applicants in India to complete six months of residence before applying for OCI status.
The Bureau also reiterated that OCI cardholders are not Indian citizens and therefore cannot vote in elections or hold constitutional offices such as Member of Parliament, Member of a State Legislative Assembly, or judge.
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