New York
The Indian Consulate in New York has denied reports claiming that restrictions have been placed on Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. The Consulate clarified that no new changes have been introduced, and the provisions outlined in the Gazette Notification dated March 4, 2021, regarding the rights of OCI cardholders, remain unchanged and continue to be in effect.
In a statement, the Indian mission addressed the false information being circulated about restrictions on OCI cardholders. It emphasized that the community should be informed that the rules and rights of OCI cardholders have not been altered recently.
The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme was introduced in 2005 by amending the Citizenship Act of 1955. The Scheme allows Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India as of January 26, 1950, or became eligible after that date, to register as OCIs.
OCI cardholders are granted multiple entry, multipurpose, lifelong visas for visiting India. They are exempted from registering with the Foreign Regional Registration Officer or Foreign Registration Officer, regardless of their length of stay in India. Additionally, OCI cardholders are entitled to general parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in areas such as economic, financial, and educational opportunities, except in the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
The Consulate reiterated that the provisions of the Gazette Notification remain valid, and there are no recent changes affecting the rights of OCI cardholders.
