India does not allow holding Indian citizenship and citizenship of a foreign country simultaneously.
Based on the recommendation of the High Level Committee on Indian Diaspora, the Government of India decided to grant Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) to persons of Indian Origin of certain categories as has been specified in the Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
INTRODUCTION
Overseas Citizens of India card service offers a very convenient and long term visa rights and other privileges to the card holders. In general, persons who are of Indian origin are entitled to these cards.
A foreign national, who was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at any time after 26.01.1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947 and his/her children and grandchildren, is eligible for registration as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Minor children of such persons are also eligible for OCI. However, if the applicant had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for OCI.
OCI card holders are granted multiple entry lifelong visa for visiting India with exemption from registration for any length of stay in India. OCI card holders will have right to be at par with other non-resident Indians for pursuing profession in India such as doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, advocates, architects and chartered accountants, or to appear for the All India Pre-medical Test or similar tests.
