• OCI scheme, introduced in August 2005, allows Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India after January 26, 1950 or were eligible for Indian citizenship on that date, to register for OCI status.
• Serves as a form of dual citizenship for the Indian diaspora.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs defines an OCI.

• OCI card holders need permission to visit protected, restricted, or prohibited areas.
• Special permits are also required for activities such as conducting research, undertaking missionary or journalistic work, and visiting areas like Jammu & Kashmir.

• 2005: Lifelong visas and exemption from FRRO registration
• 2007: Parity with NRIs for inter-country adoption and domestic airfare
• 2009: Parity with NRIs for entry fees to monuments and professions like doctors and architects

• Individuals with parents or grandparents from Pakistan or Bangladesh cannot apply for an OCI card.
• Foreign military personnel (retired or active) are also not eligible.

• OCI card holders cannot vote, hold constitutional positions, or be elected as a members of Parliament or Legislative Assembly.
• They are also restricted from holding government employment in India.

PYQ:

[2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2021)

1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
3. A foreigner once granted citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3