Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders often believe they hold dual citizenship in India. We wish to clarify that the Constitution of India does not allow holding Indian citizenship and Citizenship of a foreign country simultaneously (dual citizenship).

A registered Overseas Citizen of India is granted multiple entry, multipurpose, life-long visa for visiting India. S/he is exempted from registration with Foreign Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreign Registration Officer (FRO) for any length of stay in India. OCI card holders are in parity with Non-Resident Indians in respect of all facilities available to them in economic, financial and educational fields except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties. Ministry of External Affairs periodically issues notifications and circulars clarifying the specific benefits available for OCI card holders.Detailed instructions on the OCI scheme can be found on the Ministry of Home Affairs website.

OCI holders should not misconstrue status as OCI with Dual Citizenship.