Overseas Citizen of India

An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) is a person of Indian origin who holds citizenship of another country but retains certain rights to visit and stay in India. OCI status allows for lifelong visa-free travel to India, exemption from certain economic restrictions, and access to some social benefits, but it does not grant political rights like voting or holding public office. It is a special status introduced to strengthen cultural and economic ties between India and its diaspora, simplifying procedures for long-term residency and travel while maintaining the individual's original nationality.