The OCI scheme was introduced through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955 in the year 2005, which allows foreign citizens of Indian origin to live, work, and travel freely in India without dual citizenship.

Eligibility: Any foreign national, except a national of Pakistan or Bangladesh

• Were citizens of India on or after 26th January, 1950.
• Were eligible to become Indian citizens on 26th January, 1950.
• Belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947.
• Are children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of such persons
• Minor children of such individuals or those with one Indian parent.
• A foreign-origin spouse of an Indian citizen or an existing OCI cardholder is eligible if the marriage has been registered and has subsisted for at least two years preceding the application.

Ineligible Categories

• Individuals who are currently serving or have retired from foreign military services are not entitled to receive OCI status.

Benefits for OCIs

• Multiple-entry multi-purpose life-long visa to visit India
• Equality with NRIs in certain financial, economic, and educational matters, except for the acquisition of agricultural or plantation land, and in matters about inter-country adoption of Indian children.
• Eligible for grant of Indian citizenship under Section 5(1)(g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955 after completion of 5 years as an OCI cardholder, provided he has resided in India for one year out of 5 years before making the application.
• Eligible to enroll in the National Pension Scheme (NPS) for Non-Resident Indians.

Restrictions related to OCI Cardholders

• OCI does not confer political rights to vote.
• Do not provide dual citizenship.
• Not eligible to hold Indian constitutional posts like President, Vice President, Judges of the Supreme Court, or High Court.
• Not eligible for being a member of the House of the People/Council of States/ Legislative Assembly/Legislative Council.
• OCI cardholders cannot hold regular government jobs, except where specifically permitted by the Central Government via special notifications.
• Special permission is mandatory for research, mountaineering, missionary/journalistic work, and travel to Protected or Restricted Areas.

Source: The Indian Express