Overseas Citizenship of India

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is an immigration status permitting a foreign citizen of Indian origin to live and work in the Republic of India indefinitely. The OCI was introduced in response to demands for dual citizenship by the Indian diaspora, particularly in developed countries. It was introduced by The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005 in August 2005. It was launched during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention held in Hyderabad in 2006.

The Constitution of India prevents Indian citizens from holding dual citizenship, although Article 370 and Article 35A give the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir citizenship of Jammu and Kashmir as well as of India.