How Dual Citizenship Benefits Non Resident Indians (NRIs)

Happiness comes when you have a home, one that is your own. It’s no different with your citizenship. You may want a green card in the US for material benefits but when you have accomplished all that you wanted to, the yearning to be in your own home in India may be a part of your conscious mind. For many NRIs, coming back was not practical due to numerous legal hurdles. Still, there can never be a better, happier place than your own home, isn’t it? That’s exactly why Indians across the world welcomed the dual citizenship system introduced in the country. This enables an Indian to be considered as a legal citizen of two or more nations simultaneously.

Dual Citizenship and OCI India Stipulations

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is offered to those individuals who have migrated from India, and hold a valid citizenship in a foreign country; thereby enabling dual citizenship.  Eligibility criteria for applying for an OCI India are:

• The individual applying for the OCI is not residing in Bangladesh or Pakistan.
• The residing or home country recognizes some form of dual citizenship.

Dual Citizenship Benefits for Non Resident Indians (NRIs)

Applying for a dual citizenship in India is an excellent alternative for Non Resident Indians (NRIs). Firstly, it makes your recurring trips to India more convenient and free of excessive legal formalities. You don’t have to apply for a visa when you want to travel to India. Children will be eligible for admission to Indian educational institutions including medical and engineering colleges. You can also take advantage of housing schemes that are offered by the LIG, the state governments and any other government agencies.

Specifically, these are the benefits that accrue to those who register under the overseas citizenship of India:

• The OCI cardholders need not apply for a Visa or register with the Foreign Registration Officer to travel to India. Lengthy registration formalities are done away with too.
• Possessing an OCI card entitles the holder to conduct business in India as well as purchase and sell properties, excluding plantations and agricultural land.
• Holder of an OCI card is not required to furnish separate documentation for employment.
• OCI cardholders may open accounts in Indian banks as well as offer loans to ordinary Indian citizens.