Dual Citizenship in India - Know everything you want to know about it!

The Government of India has not given permission for Dual Citizenship yet! That means an Indian resident can not hold the citizenship of the native country and a foreign country at the same time. In addition, the Indian Nationality Law allows OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India).But it should not be referred to as Dual Citizenship.

If you get an OCI, you should not control yourself as being as a regular Indian Citizen. Further, you are not allowed to vote and/or can not hold your claim as a participant of Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha/Legislative Assembly/Council and are barred from holding employment in the Government sector.

PIO Card: PIO Card was launched in favor of People of Indian Origin.

People of Indian origin who are living abroad have the freedom to go for a visa free entry. At the same time, the PIO Card holders enjoy all the benefits that the NRIs have in store for them.

Benefits of PIO Card

1. PIO Card holders do not require a visa to visit India
2. There is no need to register with the Foreigners Registration Officer if you have a limit stay of 180 days. You are required to register with the same if your stay exceeds 180 days.
3. Enjoy the benefits that are extended to NRIs, barring the political rights of India.

POIs (People of Indian origin) of certain mentioned categories, which migrated from India and hold a citizenship of another country (not Pakistan and Bangladesh), are eligible for grant of OCI, provided that their home countries allow dual citizenship in accordance with their respective regulations.

An OCI registered citizen can apply for Indian citizenship provided he or she fulfills the below mentioned requirements:

The applicant should be registered as OCI for five years
Out of these five years, the applicant has been residing in India for one year before going for the application process.

Benefits of OCI
No need to register with the local police authority for required stay in India

Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) economic, financial and educational fields, barring in acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.

Ajay Sharma is an immigration expert who provides his valuable advice to people seeking immigration in countries like Canada, Denmark, USA, Australia and many others. With years of experience under his belt, he is the principal immigration consultant of ABHINAV.com, which is in business since 1994.