OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) is a lifelong, multiple-entry visa-equivalent status -- not dual citizenship, which India does not permit in any form -- available to eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin (and certain descendants and foreign spouses), governed by Sections 7A to 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
An OCI cardholder is a foreign citizen, not an Indian citizen -- this is the key distinction from NRI
status, which is held by Indian citizens who happen to live abroad. OCI exempts the holder from Foreigners
Regional Registration Office (FRRO) registration, gives parity with resident Indians on domestic airfares
and monument entry, and permits property purchase except agricultural land, farmhouses, and plantation
property. An OCI cardholder cannot vote, cannot hold a seat in Parliament or a state legislature, cannot
hold constitutional posts, generally cannot hold government or public-sector employment, and cannot obtain
an Indian passport. The earlier PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card scheme was fully merged into OCI
effective 9 January 2015, with old PIO cards no longer valid for travel since 30 September 2019.
