Dual Citizenship - Rules and Benefits for Indians

1. Individuals voluntarily seeking citizenship of a foreign state, according to Articles 5, 6, and 8 will lose their Indian citizenship. 
2. They will adopt the nationality of the foreign state for which they applied. 
3. Individuals must surrender their Indian passport and other documents proving Indian citizenship at the nearest Indian embassy. 

While dual citizenship is not provided for in India, individuals can opt for an OCI card, offering various benefits, some of which are discussed below. 

Benefits of Dual Citizenship 

The benefits of dual citizenship are given below: 

1. The freedom to reside, work, and conduct business indefinitely in both India and another chosen country is granted to those with dual citizenship. 
2. Having multiple passports is permissible for individuals with dual citizenship. Additionally, possessing a stronger passport from another country may increase the likelihood of obtaining "visa on arrival." 
3. In times of unrest or instability in one country, individuals with dual citizenship have the option to relocate to the other country where they hold citizenship, providing a valuable contingency plan. 
4. Other advantages include the issuance of multiple entry life-long visas, the ability to own assets and property, and being charged the same entry fee as domestic Indian visitors for visiting wildlife sanctuaries and national parks if registered as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). 

1. Furthermore, OCI holders enjoy parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in appearing for exams such as the All India Pre-Medical Test, making them eligible for admissions as per relevant Acts. 

One can apply for an Indian citizenship after giving up their respective country’s citizenship. This element is contingent upon the most recent terms and conditions, though. 

How to Apply for Dual Citizenship 

If you are looking for a citizenship in India, then you will have to apply for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. You will have to be careful during the application process as any wrong information means you may lose your citizenship in the residing country too.  

Given below are the steps to apply for an OCI card: 

1. Click on the link https://ociservices.gov.in/ to apply for an OCI card. 
2. Verify the eligibility criteria and documentation prerequisites before initiating the application process 
3. Proceed to the ‘Apply Online’ section to complete and submit the form.  
4. Afterward, generate two hard copies of the application, including the ITAR number. 

Overseas Indian Citizenship (OCI)

Some of the things you must know about OCI are given below: 

1. The Indian Constitution prohibits dual citizenship, but the Government of India allows Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) for persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who hold citizenship in a foreign country other than Pakistan or Bangladesh.  
2. OCI holders do not have voting rights or eligibility for certain constitutional posts. 
3. They can apply for Indian citizenship after residing in India for five years as an OCI, including one year immediately before the application.  
4. Applications must be submitted to Indian missions/posts, with photos, signatures, and relevant documents.  
5. The processing time for OCI cards is approximately 8 to 12 weeks. 
6. OCI cardholders must renew their card each time they obtain a new passport until they reach the age of 20 years.  
7. After turning 50 years, they need to renew their OCI card once upon acquiring a new passport.  
8. However, OCI cardholders aged between 21 years and 50 years do not need to renew their OCI card each time they receive a new passport. 

Benefits of Dual Nationality 

Registered Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) enjoy several benefits, including: 

1.  Lifelong multiple entry visa for visiting India for various purposes.  
2. Exemption from the requirement to report to police authorities during their stay in India.  
3. Equality with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in financial, economic, and educational matters, except for acquiring agricultural or plantation properties. 

An OCI holder can apply for Indian citizenship under section 5(1) (g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955 if they have been registered as an OCI for five years and have resided in India for at least one year out of the preceding five years before applying. 

OCI Card eligibility 

According to the ministry's statement, a foreign national is eligible for registration as an OCI cardholder if they meet any of the following criteria: 

1. They were a citizen of India on or after 26 January 1950.  
2. They were eligible to become a citizen of India on 26 January 1950.  
3. They belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15 August 1947.  
4. They are a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of such a citizen.  
5. They are a minor child of the individuals mentioned above.  
6. They are a minor child, and both parents are citizens of India, or one of the parents is a citizen of India.