Dual Citizen Indian Passport
The Indian constitution and present laws doesn’t permit dual citizenship. As the title so convincingly interpret, is a situation where an individual is viewed as the citizen of two nations. That person will enjoy all of the rights and benefits as appreciated by any natural born citizen of states. The individual will take nationality and passports from both the nations and may travel, purchase properties, live for broadened period of time and appreciate other such essential and selective benefits given to any natural born citizen of the country. A prime example of a nation which allows double citizenship would be the United States of America (USA).
Normally, individuals are much likely to confuse Government’s sponsored initiatives like Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and furthermore, Person of Indian Origin (PIO) applications as fortification to the idea of dual citizenship or dual nationality. Be that as it may, this isn’t the circumstance.
India does not perceive dual citizenship, which implies that for a most people, on the off chance that you have to advance toward turning into an Indian national, you’ll be compelled to surrender your previous citizenship. That is a major choice for anybody, and ought to be performed after suitable consideration. The overseas Citizens of India (OCI) program isn’t a substitution for dual citizenship however manages some extra rights to a few people with Indian tradition who are currently citizens of various countries. India doesn’t permit dual citizenship albeit some government authorities have stood up for this, heading to speculation that the standards may at last changed.
OCI scheme – explained below is one Adjustment in this regards. Traditionally, be that as it may, the dual citizen-ship has not yet been permitted since citizen-ship is regarded as a allegiance to the state. It was judged that you cannot be really loyal to two nations all the while, dual citizen-ship not approved. When you progress toward becoming an Indian national you’ll be constrained to give up your past nationality. The procedure for repudiating your previous citizenship will depend on where you’re from. There could be some penalties to pay and it is most likely to take some time, in light of the fact, that tests will be made, for instance, to guarantee you don’t owe any taxes. For kids, the rules are different. On the off chance that a kid who is eligible for Indian citizenship will be given citizenship of another nation, for instance as they are born in a nation which consequently provides citizenship to anyone born there, they can sometimes put off the choice about which citizenship to take until the point when they are 18. At 18, they will be asked to choose between the citizenship, and take one or the other.
There are some conditions here, which are based on the correct circumstances. For example, a youngster may just be capable to acquire a passport for a single nation. Indian embassies across the world will have the capacity to advice on the options based on the individual circumstance.
According to the Indian Constitution Part II Article 5, a person is considered as the citizen of India if;
- He or she was born in India.
- One of his parents was worn in India.
- He or she is residing in India for the minimum for years.
Besides, constitution of India/part II/Article 9, says that any person who intentionally seeks citizenship of a foreign nation, subsequently invalidating the focuses which laid out in the Article 5. Article 6 (Citizenship rights of specific people who have migrated to India from Pakistan) and Article 8 (citizenship rights of specific individuals of Indian origin that are living outside India), will cease to be regarded as a native of India. He/she will carry the citizenship/nationality of this outside country where he/she applied for citizenship. He or She may require relinquishing his or her Indian passport and other papers exhibiting Indian citizenship in the Indian consulate. In accordance with the order stated in the Indian Passports Act of 1957, it’s a punishable offence to keep an Indian passport having a foreign nationality.
What are OCI card?
OCI cards have been issued to the foreign nationals that;
- Who were eligible for Indian citizenship from 26th January 1950.
- Who became the Indian tax payer from 26th January 1950.
- Who are the citizens of land which is in the territory of India after 15th August 1947.
Citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh are not eligible for OCI cards.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for the OCI cards?
A foreign national, who was eligible to become citizen of India on 26th January 1950 or was a citizen of India on or whenever later after January 26th 1950 or had a place to a region that became part of India After 15th August 1947 and their kids and grandchildren, given his nation of citizenship permits dual citizenship under the local laws, it is qualified for register as an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India). Minors also eligible for this Overseas Citizen of India. In any case, if the candidate who belongs to Bangladesh and Pakistan countries, those are not eligible for OCI.
Importance of OCE card
- Lifelong Visa-free entrance in India and infinite stay
- Police reporting is not necessary when visiting India
- Same benefits as NRI’s investments, buying properties, education and housing schemes from the authorities (OCI card holder cannot purchase properties for agricultural purposes)
A card holder will not able to Vote and work for the Indian Government.
Conditions to Apply for the OCI card
- When getting a new passport
- For the applicant under 20 years old, OCI documents must be issued when renewing passport
- For the applicant who is above the age of 50, will have to apply for the re-issuance of OCI documents
- For the applicant in the age of 21-49, there is no need to re-issue the OCI documents when applying for the renewal of passport
- In case, there is a change in person’s information
- In case of lost and damage of Passport and OCI documents
- In case of change of address and occupation