The country’s Vice President CP Radhakrishnan has announced during his visit to Sri Lanka that the eligibility of OCI for people of Indian origin Tamil community has been increased from the fourth generation to the sixth generation.
The Government of India has taken an important decision for the people of Tamil community of Indian origin living in Sri Lanka. This decision can play an important role amid the ongoing assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. The country’s Vice President CP Radhakrishnan has announced during his visit to Sri Lanka that the eligibility of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) for people of Indian origin Tamil community has been increased from the fourth generation to the sixth generation.
Do you know who is given Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) under the pretext of this decision of the Government of India? What are its benefits? Why and how to get this card?
What is OCI card?
Some foreign citizens coming to India take the name of OIC card. Whereas, its correct name is OCI card. Its full name is Overseas Citizenship of India. This is not an Indian passport. This is not even Indian citizenship. It is a long term travel and stay facility. This facility is for those people who have connections with India through lineage, family or marriage. Therefore, not every foreign tourist gets this card.
Why was this card needed?
A large number of people of Indian origin live outside India. They come to meet their families. They study. Let’s work. Invest while staying outside. Earlier he had to take visa again and again. There was more paper work every time. It also took time. To reduce this problem, the government brought a facility like OCI card. The aim was to keep the relations of the expatriate community strong. May their journey be easy. Long term planning can be made.
OCI card holders do not get the right to vote.
What benefits do you get from this card?
The need for frequent visas is less. No need to reapply for many trips. It becomes easier to stay in India for a long time. In many cases there is no need for separate registration. The entry and immigration process generally seems easy. Documents remain clear. Many facilities related to studies and work are available like NRIs. However, the rules also depend on the concerned institution and course. Tasks like banking, rent, SIM, KYC become easy in many places.
Which things are not available?
Even having OCI does not give many rights. Do not have the right to vote. Government jobs and constitutional posts are not available. A permit may be required to visit some sensitive areas. Special permission may be required in matters like journalism, research, missionary work. There is generally a ban on properties like agricultural land, farm houses, plantations.
Who can get OCI card?
Generally lower class people can get this card. Those who were born in India, or whose parents/grandparents were related to India. Those who have valid proof of Indian origin. Foreign nationals who are the spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI holder. There are conditions related to marriage and time for this. In some countries and cases, different rules may apply for security reasons. Therefore, it is important to read government instructions before applying.
How to get OCI card?
For this an online form is filled. This includes passport, address, family, birth, and other details. Photo and signature are uploaded as per the prescribed rules. Some important documents are attached. Like, birth certificate, copy of old Indian passport, parents’ papers, marriage certificate. Fees are paid. Fees may vary depending on the country. Verification takes place. The embassy or related office checks the papers. Ask for additional papers if needed. Once approved, OCI status is issued. Then you get the card or e-document. Passport and OCI have to be carried with you while travelling.
How is the card made?
Making OCI card is not just printing a plastic card. There are many steps behind this. Your identity is decided first. Then the relation of Indian origin is checked from your documents. After that security and record matching takes place. After approval, your unique number is generated. Your data is entered into the system. The card is then issued in printed or digital form with photos and details. At many places, stickers or separate documents were also available along with the card. Now the process mostly runs with digital tracking.
Why are applications delayed?
Despite applying many times, there is delay. There are some common reasons behind this. Name spelling being different from passport, difference in date of birth, photo being of wrong size, documents being incomplete, evidence in marriage case being weak etc. To avoid these, scan all the papers clearly. Keep the same name. And follow the correct format. Write the same name in the application as in the passport. Before starting studies or working in India, ask about OCI rules from the institute. Carry the old passport with the OCI at the time of travel, if it contains OCI details. In the case of children, parental consent and birth proof are important. Do not trust any agent without trust.
OCI card is useful for foreign nationals coming to India who have genuine and document-based connection with India. This makes traveling easier. It becomes easier to live longer. There is facility in many works, but this is not citizenship. Rights are limited. Caution is necessary in application. The final decision in every case depends on government rules. Since a large number of people of Indian origin Tamil community live in Sri Lanka, this facility becomes important for them.
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