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61-595: The PWP projects an increase of 1.6 million people from 2013, or an average of 100,000 more people in Singapore each year. The PWP argued that up to 30,000 new permanent residents and 25,000 naturalized citizens each year are needed to sustain Singapore's population due to the falling birth rates in Singapore. It also justified immigration and presence of foreign workers as helping local businesses thrive and "create good jobs for Singaporeans". The PWP also included additional measures to encourage marriage and increase

122-554: A Protected Area Permit , a requirement for PIO holders which OCI never had since its launch in 2006. Also, OCI holders living in India need to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) via email upon every change of their permanent home address or occupation. On 15 April 2021, the number of times OCI needs to be renewed was reduced to one, when the passport is renewed for

183-542: A U.S. citizen for three years or more may apply in three years. Those who have served in the armed forces may qualify for an expedited process allowing citizenship after only one year, or even without any residence requirement. Full permanent residence rights are granted automatically between the following: In some cases (e.g. the member states of the European Union ), citizens of participating countries can live and work at will in each other's states, but don't have

244-466: A certain type of employment or maintenance of a business. Many countries have compulsory military service for citizens. Some countries, such as Singapore, extend this to permanent residents. However, in Singapore, most first generation permanent residents are exempted, and only their sons are held liable for national service. In a similar approach, the United States has Selective Service ,

305-732: A child born in the United States or in Canada to Indian parents), and the Indian courts have given the executive branch wide discretion over this matter. On the recommendations of a High-Level Committee on Indian Diaspora, the Government of India decided to register Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) of a certain category, as has been specified in the Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 , as Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) holders, by

366-540: A completed renunciation declaration form to the Central Government. After the renunciation of the status, every minor child of that person loses their OCI status. Applications for OCI can only be made online at ociservices.gov.in . A person making an application is required to submit a photograph and several identification documents to prove they meet the eligibility criteria, and also must pay an application fee. Applications made from outside India are charged

427-400: A compulsory registration for military service, which is required of all male citizens and permanent residents ages 18 to 26; this requirement theoretically applies even to those residing in the country illegally. Applications for citizenship may be denied or otherwise impeded if the applicant cannot prove having complied with this requirement. Permanent residents may be required to reside in

488-592: A copy of the Indian passport of the spouse or copy of the Domicile Certificate or Nativity Certificate issued by the Competent Authority in respect of the Indian spouse or any other proof substantiating the status of the spouse as being an Indian citizen. In the case of spouse of an OCI holder, a copy of the present valid passport of the spouse and copy of the OCI card of the spouse and copies of

549-399: A copy of the child's birth certificate that mentions its parents, a copy of Indian passport of at least one of the parents or copy of the Domicile Certificate or Nativity Certificate issued by a Competent Authority supporting the Indian origin of at least one parent or any other proof substantiating the status of at least one parent as being either an Indian citizen or being of Indian origin. If

610-413: A country are usually issued some sort of documentary evidence as legal proof of this status. In the past, many countries merely stamped the person's passport indicating that the holder was admitted as a permanent resident or that he/she was exempt from immigration control and permitted to work without restriction. Other countries would issue a photo ID card, place a visa sticker or certificate of residence in

671-636: A deluge in OCI applications, the number of OCI cards issued by diplomatic missions around the world has been steadily rising, with several Indian diplomatic missions grappling with a huge backlog of applications. However, starting from 4 March 2021, OCI holders living in India need to register with the FRRO upon every change of their permanent home address or occupation. Research on the effects of Overseas Citizenship of India shows three effects: (a) It enables overseas citizens by granting special privileges. (b) It affects expectations about privileges. (c) It eases

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732-511: A different method and it does not revoke their British citizenship if they have already registered under Section 4B. The UK government considers that, for purposes of the British Nationality Act 1981 , "OCI is considered to be citizenship of another State". The circumstance where a person can be in this provision is rare, as it means (a) they hold a secondary form of British nationality such as British Overseas citizenship and

793-454: A fee of US$ 275. Applications submitted in India are charged a fee of ₹ 15,000 (US$ 180). The applicant must provide proof of their current citizenship by presenting a copy of their current passport that has a validity of at least 6 months from the time of application. If the applicant is making their application while within Indian jurisdiction, they must submit a copy of any type of Indian visa (other than missionary and mountaineering visa), or

854-409: A law punishable with at least two years of jail time before five years of having issued OCI. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 gives the government additional power to cancel the OCI status of people who violate any local law, whether it is a petty infraction or a heinous felony. The new act makes the rules much more strict for OCI holders in an attempt to preserve OCI's dignity, however it also has

915-530: A note: This is to certify that the person whose particulars are given in this Certificate has been registered as an Overseas Citizen of India under the provisions of Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 The note bearing page is typically stamped and signed by the issuing authority. Persons of Indian Origin Card ( PIO Card ) was a form of identification issued to a Person of Indian Origin who held

976-521: A passport in a country other than Afghanistan , Bangladesh , Bhutan , China , Iran , Nepal , Pakistan , and Sri Lanka . Accordingly, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003 , made provision for acquisition of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) by the Person of Indian Origin (PIOs) of 16 specified countries. It also omitted all provisions recognizing or relating to the commonwealth citizenship from

1037-609: A passport, (b) they do not hold any other citizenship, and (c) they have been issued an OCI nevertheless. The British Home Office has confirmed that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's perspective on OCI status is that it is not a form of citizenship. As such, people with OCI are still eligible for consular assistance from the FCO whilst in India. The predecessor to the OCI was the Persons of Indian Origin Card (PIO card). The PIO card

1098-468: A period of permanent residency (typically five years) in the country concerned. Dual/multiple citizenship may or may not be permitted. In many nations, an application for naturalization can be denied on character grounds, sometimes allowing people to reside in the country (as non-domiciled) but not become citizens. In the United States, the residency requirements for citizenship are normally five years, even though permanent residents who have been married to

1159-499: A permanent basis. This is usually for a permanent period; a person with such legal status is known as a permanent resident. Permanent residency itself is distinct from right of abode , which waives immigration control for such persons. Persons having permanent residency still require immigration control if they do not have right of abode. However, a right of abode automatically grants people permanent residency. This status also gives work permit in most cases. In many Western countries,

1220-438: A person. The Constitution of India does not permit dual citizenship (under article 9). Indian authorities have interpreted the law to mean that a person cannot have a second country's passport simultaneously with an Indian one — even in the case of a child who is claimed by another country as a citizen of that country, and who may be required by the laws of the other country to use one of its passports for foreign travel (such as

1281-512: A provision that gives the person whose OCI status is at stake the right to be heard by the government before they come to a verdict. For example, in 2021, OCI cards of Canadian cardholders were revoked by the Indian Government for participating in anti-India activities which included extending support to the protests by farmers against the controversial farm laws in India. An OCI cardholder can renounce their OCI status by submitting

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1342-449: A residential permit with at least 3 months' validity. Applicants must provide evidence that either they or their parents or grandparents or great grandparents meet the eligibility criteria described above. This can be done by presenting a copy of an Indian passport, a copy of the Domicile Certificate issued by the competent authority, a copy of Nativity Certificate from the competent authority, or an OCI/PIO card of parents or spouse along with

1403-402: A separate lifelong “U” visa stamp (which was pasted on the applicant's passport). The proof of lifelong visa is now just any valid OCI card, with or without the "U" stamp, in conjunction with any valid overseas passport, with or without the "U" stamp, which will be accepted by airlines and Indian customs and police at airport counters when traveling to and from India. The OCI certificate contains

1464-697: A status fully equivalent to that of a permanent resident. In particular, under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, Australia and New Zealand grant each other's citizens the right to reside permanently and work in each country; however, the rights and entitlements of New Zealanders living in Australia under this arrangement (the so-called Special Category Visa ) are somewhat short of those of Australian permanent residents , in particular with respect to unemployment benefits and similar benefits. People who are granted permanent residency in

1525-517: Is emblazoned in the centre of the front cover. The words 'भारत गणराज्य' ( Hindi ) and 'Republic of India' ( English ) are inscribed above the emblem, and the words 'प्रवासी भारतीय नागरिक कार्ड' ( Hindi ) and 'Overseas Citizen of India Card' ( English ) are inscribed below the emblem. OCI cards issued between 9 January 2015 and 14 April 2021 are identical to the 15 April 2021 ones, except that the words 'प्रवासी भारतीय नागरिक कार्ड' ( Hindi ) and 'Overseas Citizen of India Card' ( English ) are inscribed above

1586-452: Is or had been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, is ineligible for registration as an Overseas Citizen of India. A person who has served as a member of any foreign military, including that of his home country, is ineligible to receive an OCI card, except when bound by their home country to serve under their local law. For this reason, Israeli citizens of Indian origin are exempt from this rule and are eligible for OCI even if they served in

1647-536: The Blue Card ( Mavi Kart ), which gives most of the citizens' rights back, e.g. the right to live and work in Turkey, the right to possess land or the right to inherit, but not the right to vote or the right to be employed as a public servant. Some countries have made treaties regulating travel and access to the job markets (non-government/non-military-related work) However, for voting, being voted and working for

1708-534: The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003 . The OCI program was launched during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention held in Hyderabad on 9 January 2006. Before 9 January 2015, travellers holding an OCI card were required to carry the passport which contained the lifelong "U" visa stamp while travelling to India. This requirement was done away with that day and OCI holders no longer require

1769-533: The Indian Overseas diaspora. The OCI scheme was introduced by The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003 in response to demands for dual citizenship by the Indian diaspora . It provides overseas citizens many of the rights available to resident citizens. OCI status is not available to anyone who has ever been a Pakistani or Bangladeshi citizen , or who is a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of such

1830-537: The Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) on their arrival in the country and can stay or live in India for as long as they wish, OCI holders can travel at very short notice and take up assignments in India, while others could get caught up in bureaucratic delays over their employment visa. So many companies are following an active policy of moving PIOs to India for business expansion. Indian missions overseas are witnessing

1891-532: The Israel Defence Forces. Dutch nationals of Surinamese origin up to the sixth generation whose forefathers came from India in the 19th century will be eligible for applying for an OCI card. Foreigners who gained OCI cards through their marriage with an OCI cardholder can not enjoy the status in the event of their divorce. Previously, the government could cancel OCI status of people who obtained it by fraud, showed acts of unpatriotism, or broke

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1952-445: The OCI as citizenship of another country. There are however some exceptions. A stateless person cannot apply for an OCI, however there is an open question if an OCI holder can be considered stateless (if they lose citizenship of the other country), so in countries where citizenship to dual citizens can be revoked, such as Australia or India, an OCI holder may be disadvantaged, however, the lack of precedents in this area means that

2013-635: The OCI holder need to apply for legalisation/registration at FRRO which involves penalty up to INR20,000 Though not actual dual citizenship, the privileges afforded by acquiring an OCI card are now such that multi-national companies are finding it simpler to hire OCI holders, who enjoy a multiple entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa to visit and reside in India, sparing them the need for permits. OCI holders are treated on par with NRIs for most economic, financial, and educational matters and lack only political rights and rights to buy agricultural or plantation properties. Since they are exempted from registration with

2074-451: The PWP as being "overly mechanistic, economically simplistic and astonishingly sociologically and politically naive". The PWP became one of the largest political issues in the 2015 general elections . Permanent resident Permanent residency is a person's legal resident status in a country or territory of which such person is not a citizen but where they have the right to reside on

2135-535: The Person of Indian Origin Card scheme was withdrawn by the Government of India and was merged with the Overseas Citizen of India card scheme. All currently held PIO cards are treated as OCI cards. PIO holders will get a special stamp in their existing PIO card, saying "lifelong validity" and "registration not required", thus making them equal to existing OCI cards. An extended deadline was given where

2196-547: The UK. The most common method for obtaining a golden visa is through the purchase of real estate with a minimum value. Some countries such as Cyprus and Malta also offer golden passports to individuals if they invest a certain sum. The issuing of so-called "golden visas" has sparked controversy in several countries. Since the 1990s, some countries have begun to offer golden passports - which give citizenship as well as residency rights - to foreign nationals who invest (often through

2257-531: The base papers/documents upon which the OCI/PIO card was issued. Applicants may also submit any other evidence that may substantiate their claim. Usually, applicants are able to submit a certificate of residence or place of birth of self/parents/grandparents from First Class Magistrate/District Magistrate (DM) of the concerned place. If the applicant cites their Indian origin as basis for registration as OCI holder, they must provide evidence of their relationship with

2318-526: The birth rate. The motion was passed in Parliament to endorse the PWP by 77 votes to 13 (the 13 opponents included all members of the opposition and three nominated MPs), albeit after amendments made to leave out "population policy" and add focus on infrastructure and transport development. Several parties opposing the PWP have taken it to be a targeted increase of Singapore's population to 6.9 million. Inderjit Singh of People's Action Party spoke against

2379-608: The country offering them residence for a given minimum length of time (as in Australia and Canada). Permanent residents may lose their status if they stay outside their host country for more than a specified period of time (as in the United States). Permanent residents have the same obligations as citizens regarding taxes. Permanent residents may lose their status if they fail to comply with Residency or other obligations imposed on them. For example: Usually, permanent residents may apply for citizenship by naturalization after

2440-491: The country. Despite its name, OCI is not recognized as citizenship by the Republic of India or by the majority of nations worldwide and it does not grant the right to vote in Indian elections or hold public office. The Indian government can revoke OCI status in a wide variety of circumstances. In addition, the OCI card is only valid with a valid foreign passport. As of 2022, there are 4 million holders of OCI cards among

2501-554: The country: India does not permit dual citizenship, but former Indian citizens, and persons of Indian origin, are eligible to apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card that allows them to live and work freely in India, apart from running for certain political office posts and occupying constitutional posts. They also cannot vote or buy agricultural land. Spouses who have no other connection to India other than being married to someone with or eligible for OCI can also apply for OCI if they have been married for at least two years. Once

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2562-486: The documents upon which the OCI card was issued to the spouse. Overseas Citizenship of India allows a holder: OCI holders are not citizens of India from a constitutional point of view and will not enjoy the following rights even if residing in India: OCI holders must always possess a valid foreign passport throughout their stay in India. In the event of expiry of International passport during their stay in India,

2623-513: The emblem, and the words 'भारत गणराज्य' ( Hindi ) and 'Republic of India' ( English ) are inscribed below the emblem. OCI cards issued before 9 January 2015 bore a similar physical appearance as those issued afterward, except the cover was blue instead of blue-grey, the lines inscribed above the Emblem of India were 'Certificate of Registration' and 'Overseas Citizen of India' instead of just 'Overseas Citizen of India Card', and they were printed with

2684-580: The first time after age 20. However, every time the passport is renewed before age 20 and when the passport is renewed for the first time after age 50, a copy of the current passport along with the current passport-sized photo needs to be uploaded onto the OCI online portal. These relaxed OCI renewal guidelines reduce the administrative burden caused by multiple OCI renewals. Notes: The Government of India, on application, may register as an Overseas Citizen of India, any person who: A person, who or either of whose parents or grandparents or great grandparents

2745-405: The issue is uncertain. In specific circumstances, acquiring Overseas Citizenship of India prevents British National (Overseas) and British Overseas citizens from registering as full British citizens under Section 4B of the British Nationality Act 1981 (which requires that they have no other citizenship in order to register). It does not prevent them from acquiring full British citizenship by

2806-535: The length of time they have been resident in the United Kingdom. Overseas Citizenship of India Overseas Citizenship of India ( OCI ) is a form of permanent residency available to people of Indian origin which allows them to live and work in India indefinitely. It allows the cardholders a lifetime entry to the country along with benefits such as being able to own land and make other investments in

2867-452: The lifetime visa stamp passport. The OCI card (the blue-grey booklet) in conjunction with a valid foreign passport is sufficient to travel to and from India . In March 2020, visa-free travel granted to OCI holders was put on hold until 15 April due to the coronavirus pandemic . On 4 March 2021, the rights of OCI holders were slightly curtailed. In order to engage in certain activities or visit certain areas in India, OCI holders now require

2928-534: The marriage is dissolved, OCI status is automatically lost for spouse with no connection to India. In 2016, India allowed Permanent Resident Status to foreigners with some conditions. Turkey allows dual citizenship, and former Turkish citizens by birth who have given up their Turkish citizenship with permission (for example, because they have naturalized in a country that usually does not permit dual citizenship, such as Austria, Germany, Japan or South Korea) and their descendants subject to certain conditions, can apply for

2989-606: The needs of aging people. Citizens reacted to the PWP with shock and anger, and this has led to the largest public protest ever organized in Singapore's history. Many Singaporeans have attributed the government's population and immigration policy as the cause of overcrowding and falling reliability of its public transportation system, increasing property prices for housing, suppressed wage level, increased competition for jobs (especially for professionals, managers, executives and technicians) and education, increasing income inequality and other social problems. Academics have also criticized

3050-417: The parents are divorced, a court order of dissolution of marriage which specifically mentions that the legal custody of the child is with the parent who is applying for the OCI card must be submitted. Evidence as spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI holder may be provided in the form of a registered marriage certificate. In the case of spouse of an Indian citizen,

3111-477: The person cited as parent/grandparent/great grandparent. The document of relationship could be a birth certificate issued from competent authority mentioning both parents' names. In case the birth certificate is issued by a foreign authority, it must be apostilled or endorsed by the concerned Indian diplomatic mission abroad. In the case of a minor child whose parents are both Indian citizens or who has at least one parent holding Indian citizenship, evidence may comprise

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3172-591: The person's passport, or issue a letter to confirm their permanent resident status. The European Union Settlement Scheme is a scheme launched in 2019 by the UK Home Office to process the registration of EU citizens resident in the United Kingdom prior to its departure from the European Union . Successful applicants receive either 'Pre-settled status' or 'Settled status', depending on

3233-466: The principle Act. Later, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005, expanded the scope of grant of OCI for PIOs of all countries except Pakistan as long as their home country allows dual citizenship under their local law in case it recognizes OCI as a second citizenship of India. The OCI is not actually a dual citizenship as the Indian constitution forbids dual nationality (Article 9). On 9 January 2015,

3294-541: The public sector or the national security in a country, citizenship of the country concerned is almost always required. A " golden visa " is a permanent residency visa issued to individuals who invest, often through the purchase of property, a certain sum of money into the issuing country. Dating back to the 1980s, golden visas became much more popular and available in the 21st century. Golden visas require investments of anywhere from $ 100,000 in Dominica up to £2,000,000 in

3355-528: The purchase of real estate properties) a certain sum into the issuing country's economy. The issuing of EU passports by Cyprus and Malta has sparked controversy but is expected to produce billions of euros in revenue for the issuing countries. Depending on the country, permanent residents usually have the same rights as citizens except for the following: Permanent residents may be required to fulfill specific residence obligations to maintain their status. In some cases, permanent residency may be conditional on

3416-608: The status of permanent resident confers a right of abode upon the holder despite not being a citizen of the particular country. Not every nation allows permanent residency. Rights and application may vary widely. All European Union countries have a facility for someone to become a permanent resident, as EU legislation allows an EU national who moves to another EU country to attain permanent resident status after residing there for five years. The European Union also sets out permanent residency rights for long-term resident third country nationals under directive (2003/109/EC). A novel approach

3477-441: The transaction process and reduces actual and expected costs and risks through exemptions from formal requirements and by serving as official proof of entitlement. Privileges of OCI holders depends on the government policy of the day, and there are instances where they are denied additional rights and conveniences afforded to full Indian citizens including citizen NRIs: Most overseas countries such as United States do not recognize

3538-463: The white paper and rebutted Minister of National Development Khaw Boon Wan 's analogy of catering for guests to a wedding banquet. In an 8 February 2013 speech in support of the White Paper, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that he expected the 2030 population to be "significantly below" the 6.9 million figure, but that 6 million would not be enough, because of the declining birth rate and

3599-430: Was implemented as: PIO holders must apply to convert their existing cards into OCI cards. The Bureau of Immigration stated that it would continue to accept the old PIO cards as valid travel documents until 31 December 2024. The OCI document is a passport-like document, even though it is not a passport. OCI cards issued on or after 15 April 2021 have a blue-grey cover with golden colored printing. The Emblem of India

3660-443: Was less effective than the OCI, and there was some criticism that holders of the more expensive PIO card were disadvantaged when the OCI scheme launched barely four years later, that there was confusion of the differences between the two, and administration of the two independent schemes caused complexity and confusion. Prime minister Narendra Modi announced on 28 September 2014 that PIO and OCI cards would be merged. Ultimately this

3721-738: Was the granting of rights across the national borders of states adhering to the directive. As for Hong Kong and Macau, both special administrative regions of China , they do not have their own citizenship laws, the term "permanent residents" refer to persons with the right of abode in these territories. Most permanent residents of Chinese descent are Chinese citizens according to Chinese nationality law . Other countries have varying forms of such residency and relationships with other countries with regards to permanent residency. The countries and territories that have some type of permanent resident status include: Some countries grant residency and other specific rights to former citizens or persons of origin in

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