Dual Citizenship
Overseas Indian Citizenship (OCI) & Diaspora
PART I — EVOLUTION & CATEGORIES
COMMITTEE
L.M. Singhvi Panel
- Formed September 2000
- Global diaspora study
- Recommended dual citizenship
- Specific country focus
CONCEPT 01
Non-Resident Indian (NRI)
- Indian citizen residing abroad
- Holds Indian passport
- Retains voting rights
- Full constitutional privileges
CONCEPT 02
OCI Scheme (2005)
- Not true dual citizenship
- Foreign passport holders
- Registered under Citizenship Act
- Lifelong visa status
MILESTONE
PIO-OCI Merger (2015)
- Simplified diaspora engagement
- Unified OCI Cardholder scheme
- Eliminated PIO card
- Streamlined bureaucratic process
PART II — RIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS (OCI)
RIGHTS
Privileges Granted
∞
- Multiple entry lifelong visa
- Parity with NRIs (economic)
- No police reporting
- Educational parity
EXCEPTIONS
Restrictions
- No voting rights
- No constitutional offices
- No agricultural land
- No government employment
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