Disadvantages of OCI card in India

In addition to the disadvantages mentioned above, having an India OCI card has other drawbacks.¹

Limited Political Rights:

No Voting Rights: OCI cardholders are not eligible to vote or participate in Indian elections.
No Right to Stand for Elections: OCI cardholders cannot stand for any elected office in India.
No Right to Government Jobs: OCI cardholders cannot hold government jobs in India.

Restrictions on Property Ownership:

Cannot Purchase Agricultural Land: OCI cardholders cannot purchase agricultural land in India. However, they can inherit farmland and hold it if they don’t sell it.
Limited Land Ownership Rights: OCI cardholders have limited rights to own property in India. They can only buy property in designated areas and must obtain prior government permission.

Limited Access to Public Services:

Not Entitled to Government Subsidies: OCI cardholders are not eligible for government subsidies, such as ration cards or subsidized housing.
Higher Fees for Public Services: OCI cardholders are charged the same fees as foreigners for public services, such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
No Repatriation Benefits: OCI cardholders are not eligible for repatriation benefits from the Indian government.

Other Disadvantages:

No Dual Citizenship: India does not allow dual citizenship. Therefore, OCI cardholders must give up their Indian passport to obtain the OCI card.
Tax Liability: OCI cardholders may be liable to pay taxes on their income earned in India.
Visas for Other Countries: OCI cardholders may need to obtain separate visas to visit other countries besides India.

However, for a fast and hassle-free OCI card application, you can apply with us. Our team of experts will assist you throughout the application process and provide you with your OCI online application within two business days.

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We offer India OCI online processing service, which will give you your OCI online application process in two business days. After this, you will receive your OCI card within seven to eleven weeks.

Unlimited stay.²
Multiple entries.²
$368 fee (including government fee).

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Privileges and Constraints for Individuals Holding OCI Status

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card offers several privileges and certain constraints for individuals holding the status.¹ Here’s a breakdown:

Privileges:

Visa-free entry and extended stay in India: OCI cardholders can enter India without a visa and stay for up to 180 days per visit (multiple visits are allowed).
Travel freedom: OCI cardholders can freely travel throughout India without any restrictions on movement.
Business and employment opportunities: OCI cardholders can engage in business activities and are eligible for most employment opportunities in India.
Investment and ownership rights: OCI cardholders can invest in Indian businesses and hold non-agricultural property in designated areas.
Access to education: OCI cardholders can enroll in educational institutions in India on the same basis as Indian citizens.
Access to healthcare: OCI cardholders can access public and private healthcare facilities in India.
Cultural and social benefits: OCI cardholders can participate in cultural and social events in India and are eligible for various benefits offered by the Indian government.
Lifetime validity: The OCI card is valid for the lifetime of the holder unless revoked.

Constraints:

Limited political rights: OCI cardholders cannot vote in elections, stand for elected office, or hold government jobs.
Restrictions on property ownership: OCI cardholders cannot purchase agricultural land and have limited rights to own other types of property. They need prior permission from the government for certain purchases.
Tax liability: OCI cardholders may be liable to pay taxes on their income earned in India.
Visa requirement for other countries: OCI cardholders still need separate visas to visit other countries besides India.
No dual citizenship: OCI cardholders cannot hold both Indian and foreign citizenship. They must give up their Indian passport to obtain the OCI card.
Limited access to public services: OCI cardholders are not eligible for certain government subsidies and pay higher fees for public services like national parks.
No repatriation benefits: OCI cardholders are not entitled to repatriation benefits from the Indian government.

How Can OCI Card Affect Your Rights and Privileges in India?

The OCI card can significantly affect your rights and privileges in India, both positively and negatively.³ Here’s a breakdown of the key impacts:

Positive Impacts:

Enhanced travel and residency: OCI cardholders enjoy visa-free entry and extended stay in India (up to 180 days per visit) compared to foreign nationals. This facilitates frequent visits and extended stays for business, family, or pleasure.
Freedom of movement: OCI cardholders can travel freely throughout India without any restrictions on movement, unlike foreign nationals who may require special permits for certain regions.
Business and employment opportunities: OCI cardholders have the right to engage in business activities and are eligible for most employment opportunities in India, opening doors to professional growth and economic stability.
Investment and ownership rights: OCI cardholders can invest in Indian businesses and hold non-agricultural property in designated areas, allowing participation in the Indian economy and building wealth.
Access to education: OCI cardholders can attend educational institutions in India on the same basis as Indian citizens, providing access to quality education and career advancement opportunities.
Access to healthcare: OCI cardholders can access India’s public and private healthcare facilities
Cultural and social benefits: OCI cardholders can participate in various cultural and social events in India, fostering connection with their heritage and community.
Lifetime validity: The OCI card remains valid for the holder’s lifetime, providing long-term benefits and peace of mind.

Negative Impacts:

Limited political rights: OCI cardholders cannot vote in elections, hold government jobs, or stand for elected office, limiting their participation in the political process.
Restrictions on property ownership: OCI cardholders cannot purchase agricultural land and have limited rights to own other types of property, requiring specific permissions for certain purchases.
Tax liability: OCI cardholders may be liable to pay taxes on their income earned in India, adding a financial obligation.
Visa requirement for other countries: While OCI facilitates travel within India, separate visas are needed for visiting other countries, adding complexity to travel plans.
No dual citizenship: OCI cardholders cannot hold both Indian and foreign citizenship. They must renounce their Indian passport to obtain the OCI card, potentially losing identity and associated rights.
Limited access to public services: OCI cardholders are not eligible for certain government subsidies, like ration cards, and pay higher fees for public services like national parks.
No repatriation benefits: OCI cardholders are not entitled to repatriation assistance from the Indian government if faced with difficulties abroad.

Overall, the OCI card offers significant advantages for maintaining connections with India and accessing various opportunities. However, there are limitations and potential drawbacks to consider. Careful evaluation of the specific privileges and constraints is crucial before making an informed decision about applying for the OCI card.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay permanently in India with an OCI card?

yes, you can stay permanently in India with an OCI card as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and follow the rules and regulations of the OCI scheme.⁴

What can an OCI holder not do in India?

OCI holders in India can’t vote, hold public office, own farmland, or access certain government benefits.¹

Is an Indian visa better than an OCI?

The choice between an Indian visa and an OCI card depends on your circumstances and needs. If you are planning frequent or extended visits to India, the OCI card may be a better option despite the higher initial cost. However, if you are only planning a short visit or need more flexibility, an Indian visa may be sufficient.

Does OCI have to pay tax in India?

Yes, OCI cardholders can be liable to pay taxes in India on their income earned within India. This is because the OCI card does not grant exemption from Indian income tax laws.

Which is better, OCI or NRI?

India OCI is a status that grants certain benefits and privileges to foreign nationals of Indian origin or their spouses. NRI stands for Non-Resident Indian, a residential status that determines the tax liability and investment options for Indian citizens who reside outside India.⁵

Some of the factors that can help you compare OCI and NRI are:

Citizenship: An OCI is a foreign citizen who has Indian roots, while an NRI is an Indian citizen who lives abroad.

Rights in India: An OCI has limited rights in India, such as living and working indefinitely, but cannot vote or hold a government job. An NRI has the same rights as Indian citizens, except for voting and buying agricultural property.

Taxation: An OCI is taxed based on their worldwide income if they live in India for more than 182 days in a year, while an NRI is taxed only on their income earned in India.

Visa Requirements: An OCI needs to carry their OCI card along with their foreign passport when traveling to India, while an NRI doesn’t need a visa to enter India, as they hold an Indian passport.

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Brochure Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholder. (2017). https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/Brochure_OCI_25042017.pdf [↩] [↩] [↩]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2023, from <https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-07/oci-faq.pdf> [↩] [↩]
Brochure Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholder (2017). https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/Brochure_OCI_25042017.pdf [↩]
Brochure Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholder. (2017). https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/Brochure_OCI_25042017.pdf [↩]
National Portal of India. (2023). India.gov.in. https://www.india.gov.in/topics/foreign-affairs/nris [↩]

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Written by Jenilyn Samortin

Jenilyn Samortin is an Environmental Science graduate and a content writer at Visas for Future, a company that supports reforestation and urban forestry projects. She is an expert at e-visas and travel documents, such as India e-visa and Turkey e-visa, which she handles and assists customers every quarter. She loves helping people with their international travel needs and providing them with the latest information, tips, and guidance on how to apply online.

Managed by Glen Vidania

Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.

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MLA Style

Samortin, Jenilyn. "Disadvantages of OCI card in India." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/disadvantages-of-oci-card-in-india/. Accessed on 4 October 2023.

Chicago Style

Samortin, Jenilyn. "Disadvantages of OCI card in India." Visas For Future. October 4, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/disadvantages-of-oci-card-in-india/.