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Bureau of Immigration Clarifies Rights and Restrictions for OCI Cardholders
M
Moneycontrol•16-10-2026, 14:44
Bureau of Immigration Clarifies Rights and Restrictions for OCI Cardholders
- •The Bureau of Immigration clarified that Overseas Citizens of India cardholders are not Indian citizens and detailed their rights and restrictions.
- •OCI cardholders enjoy lifelong visas, FRRO exemption, and parity with Indian nationals for domestic airfares and monument entry fees.
- •Cardholders have parity with Non-Resident Indians for inter-country adoption, taking entrance exams like NEET and JEE, and buying non-agricultural property.
- •OCI status does not grant voting rights, eligibility to contest elections, hold constitutional posts, or take government public service jobs.
- •OCI cardholders are strictly prohibited from acquiring agricultural land, farmhouses, or plantation properties in India.
Key Questions Answered
OCI cardholders receive a lifelong visa to visit India, except in cases involving foreign spouses, and they are completely exempt from registering with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO).
While OCI cardholders are permitted to buy or sell certain types of immovable property in India, they are strictly prohibited from acquiring agricultural land, farmhouses, or plantation properties.
No, OCI cardholders do not have the right to vote in India, nor can they be members of Parliament or state legislatures, hold constitutional posts like President or Judge, or be appointed to public services.
