PM Narendra Modi handed over Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and his wife Veena Ramgoolam on March 12, 2025. OCI card eligibility has now been extended to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius.
Who is Eligible for OCI?
- Foreign nationals who:
- Were eligible for Indian citizenship on January 26, 1950 OR
- Were Indian citizens anytime after January 26, 1950 OR
- Belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947
- Their children and grandchildren can also register as OCI
- Exceptions: Not eligible if the applicant was ever a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
Key Benefits of OCI Status
- Multiple-entry, multi-purpose, lifelong visa to India
- No need to report to police authorities regardless of stay duration
- Parity with NRIs in financial, economic, and educational fields
- Exception: Cannot acquire agricultural or plantation properties in India
OCI is not entitled
- to vote,
- to be a member of Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council or Parliament,
- cannot hold constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court or High Court etc. and
- he/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government.
