Question

Consider the following statements about the Overseas Citizens of India:

Which of the above statements are correct?

• A. Only 1, 3 & 4
• B. Only 1, 2 & 3
• C. Only 2 & 3
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C Only 2 & 3

The holders of OCI cards don’t enjoy full citizenship of India and thus, does not amount to dual citizenship or dual nationality.
They have parity with the NRI’s in all the financial and economic fields except in acquisition of Agricultural properties.
Extra Information:
Person of Indian Origin PIO
A person of Indian Origin is again NOT a citizen of India. Anyone who hold passport of any other country (with certain exceptions) are eligible to be PIO if he / she, at any time held Indian passport or he/she or either of his/her parents or grandparents or great grandparents (this means 4 generations) was born in and permanently resident in Undivided India and other territories that became part of India thereafter, provided neither was at any time a citizen of any of the specified countries.
The PIO came into effect from 15 September 2002.
Following are benefits of PIO Card Holders:
The PIO Cardholders don’t require a Visa as long as PIO Card is valid.
Their stay in India, if extends beyond 6 months requires registration within 30 days.
No registration required within 6 months. They get the same facilities as NRIs in economic, financial and educational fields, they are given all facilities as NRIs in acquiring, holding, transferring and disposal of immovable properties in India (except agricultural fields), they can avail some facilities in banking, housing, education etc.
Voting Rights of PIO: PIO Card Holders are not eligible to vote and their stay beyond 6 months requires registration.
OCI and PIO cards are to facilitate visa-free travel of NRIs and Indian Origin people to India as well as to provide them rights of residency and participation in business and educational activities. A PIO card holder does not require a visa to visit India and the card is valid for 15 years. A PIO card holder enjoys several economic and educational benefits. On the other hand, the OCI card is a kind of lifelong visa and any India origin person can apply for it if his host country allows dual citizenship. The Government says that merger of the cards will encourage the investment of the PIOs (Indians who have shifted migrated permanently to other countries over centuries) and definitely aid in the development of India. Making visits easier, the single facility will also ensure those certain groups of people find their participation in various activities in India, including investment in business more accessible