(i) Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme
The Constitution of India does not allow holding Indian citizenship and citizenship of a foreign country simultaneously. Based on the recommendation of the High Level Committee on Indian Diaspora, the Government of India has however decided to grant Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), which is a long-term multiple entry visa with additional benefits. The Parliament of India approved the relevant bill in this connection in August 2005. Persons of Indian origin (PIOs) of certain category who migrated from India and acquired citizenship of a foreign country other than Pakistan and Bangladesh, are eligible for grant of OCI.
Persons registered as Overseas Citizens of India will not have the right of voting, election to Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha/Legislative Assembly/Council, constitutional posts such as President, Vice-President, Judge of Supreme Court/High Court etc. Registered OCI shall be entitled to the following benefits:
- Multiple entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa to visit and work in India;
- Exemption from reporting to police authorities for any length of stay in India; and
- Parity with NRIs in financial, economic and educational fields except in the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties
- A person registered as OCI is eligible to apply for grant of Indian citizenship under Section 5(1)(g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955 if he/she has been registered as OCI for five years and has been residing in India for one year, out of the five years before making the application.
- For getting one registered under the OCI Scheme, one has to apply to the Indian Mission/Post in the country of citizenship of the applicant, on a form prescribed for the purpose.
- The registration fee is (VND 6,417,000/-) for each applicant. In case of PIO card holder, the fee is (VND 575,000/-). An amount of (VND 5,750,000/-) shall be refunded if the registration is refused.
- For more details about the OCI Scheme, please visit the Ministry of Home Affairs at https://mha.gov.in/MHA1/OCI.html
(ii) Revised guidelines on Re-issuance of OCI cards due to Issuance of new foreign passports to OCI cardholders
- Mandatory requirement of re-issuance of an OCI card each time a new passport is issued to a foreigner upto 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age is dispensed with.
- OCI cardholder is required to get the OCI card re-issued only once when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age.
- OCI cardholder is required to upload ONLINE a copy of the new passport and a latest photo each time a new passport is issued upto 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. The uploading of these documents may be done within three months of receipt of the new passport. The service will be provided on Gratis basis.
- Foreign Spouse of an Indian Citizen or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI cardholder are required to upload a copy of the new passport and also a latest photo ONLINE each time a new passport is issued along with a declaration on subsisting of marriage, copy of the Indian passport of the Indian spouse/passport & OCI card of the OCI cardholder spouse.
- Timeline for re-issuance of OCI card in respect of OCI cardholders who may be required to get their OCI card re-issued has been extended till 31 December 2021.
(iii) PIO Card
PIO cards are not issued anymore. Those eligible may please apply for OCI cards.
All fees are accepted in Vietnam Dong by online bank transfer.
