subject: What One Needs To Know About The Oci Card [print this page] The OCI card (overseas citizens of India card) is one of a number of specific immigration cards which have been designed by the Indian authorities as a means of keeping together the wider Indian global family. When you consider that there are at least 30 million Indians living and working overseas it will come as no surprise to learn that the OCI card, along with the other specific immigration cards available, has become very popular.
What is an OCI card?
In simple terms an OCI card allows the holder various benefits with regards to freedom of movement in and out of India, freedom of movement within India (aside from restricted areas) and access to not only government systems and services but also the Indian education sector. There are absolutely no restrictions on the number of times you can come in and out of India and therefore to all intents and purposes you are treated like a citizen of the country.
Restrictions
While there are many benefits with regards to an OCI card it is also worth noting that there are some basic restrictions which include: -
An OCI card does not give you access to an Indian passport
You will have no voting rights within the country
Holders are not allowed to hold local authority office
You will not be allowed to hold a government post
The purchase of agriculture/plantation properties is prohibited
So while the Indian authorities are very keen to keep the wider global family together they have also drawn a line in the sand with regards to domestic citizens rights and overseas citizens of India.
Qualifying for an OCI card
The Indian authorities have made the qualification process as simple as possible citing the fact that those connected with second, third or even fourth generation Indian families can apply. The authorities also made specific conditions for the application for an OCI card on behalf of children and spouses which are on the whole very generous. In simple terms, if you qualify for an OCI card via any of the various conditions stipulated by the authorities the process will be fairly simple.
How does an OCI card benefit India and the holder?
Over the last 20 years we have seen a significant increase in economic activity right across India with investment by overseas companies and domestic investors. As a consequence, and bearing in mind the fairly liberal attitude to immigration, not only has the domestic Indian workforce benefited from this significant investment but indeed those moving overseas for pastures new often return with new skills and new experiences.
The last few years have certainly brought home the benefits of this particular migratory trend which has increased the standard of living across-the-board although there are still major problems with regards to poverty. Despite the fact that a number of international companies have now repatriated their administration services, due in no small part to the increase in operating base costs, the Indian economy is still stronger today than it ever has been over the last 10 or 20 years.
Conclusion
The OCI card, while slightly misleading in name, is proving to be very popular and beneficial for not only the individual holder but also the Indian economy and India as a whole. The government is currently looking at ways of simplifying the immigration system and we are likely to see a number of the immigration cards merged into a new entity.
