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India-Israel Relations			OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP OF INDIA (OCI) & PERSONS OF INDIAN ORIGIN (PIO) (For PIO Scheme Click Here) A comparative chart on NRI-OCI-PIO schemes OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP OF INDIA (OCI) (operational from 02.12.2005) The Constitution of 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) commonly known as ‘dual citizenship’. Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) of certain category as has been specified in the Brochure who migrated from India and acquired citizenship of a foreign country other than Pakistan and Bangladesh, are eligible for grant of OCI as long as their home countries allow dual citizenship in some form or the other under their local laws. 2. Application for registration as OCI can be made Online. 3. Persons registered as OCI have not been given any voting rights, election to Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha/Legislative Assembly/Council, holding Constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, and Judge of Supreme Court/High Court etc. Registered OCIs shall be entitled to following benefits: (i) Multiple entry, multi-purpose life long visa to visit India; (ii) Exemption from reporting to Police authorities for any length of stay in India; and (iii) Parity with NRIs in financial, economic and educational fields except in the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties. 4. Any further benefits to OCIs will be notified by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) under section 7B(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. 5. A person registered as OCI is eligible to apply for grant of Indian citizenship under section 5(1)(g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955 if he/she is registered as OCI for five years and has been residing in India for one year out of the five years before making the application. Back to top 1. Eligibility criteria: A foreign national, who was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at anytime after 26.01.1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947 and his/her children and grand children, provided his/her country of citizenship allows dual citizenship in some form or other under the local laws, 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. 2. Application Form and Procedure: A family consisting of spouses and upto two minor children can apply in the same Form i.e. Form XIX. This form can be filed online only and downloaded from our website http://www.mha.nic.in Part B can be downloaded and filled by hand in block letters. The following documents must be enclosed in each application: 1. Proof of present citizenship. In case application is filled in India, a copy of valid visa/Residential permit for a minimum valid period of three months should also be enclosed. 2. Evidence of self or parents or grand parents, (a) Being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution; or (b) Belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15^th August, 1947; or (c) Being citizen of India on or after 26 th January, 1950. These could be: (i) Copy of the Indian passport :or (ii) Copy of the domicile certificate issued by the Competent authority ;or (iii) Any other proof. 3. Evidence of relationship as parent/grand parent, if their Indian origin is claimed as basis for grant of OCI. 4. Application fee by way of cash (NIS 1375 for each applicant in local currency; NIS 125 in local currency for each PIO card holder). 5. PIO card holder should submit a copy of his/her PIO card. The application form, completed in all respects, along with enclosures should be submitted in duplicate to the Indian Mission/Post of the country of applicant’s citizenship or where he/she is not in the country of citizenship, to the Indian Mission/Post of the country in which he/she is ordinarily a resident. If the applicant is in India, he/she can apply to the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkota or Amritsar & FRRO Chennai or to the Under Secretary, OCI Cell, Citizenship Section, Foreigners Division, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Jaisalmer House, 26 Mansingh Road, New Delhi-110011. 3. Procedure for Granting Registration: After preliminary scrutiny, if there is no adverse information available against the applicant, the Indian Mission/Post shall register a person as an OCI within 30 days of application and the case shall be referred to MHA for post verification of the antecedents of the applicant. If during the post verification, any adverse information comes to the knowledge of the MHA, the registration as an OCI already granted by the Indian Mission/Post shall be cancelled by an order under section 7 D of the Citizenship Act, 1955. After preliminary scrutiny, if there is any adverse information against the applicant, prior approval of the MHA shall be required before grant of registration. The MHA may approve or reject the grant of registration within 120 days from the date of the receipt of the application. If the grant of registration as an OCI is approved by the MHA, the Indian Mission/Post shall register the person as an OCI. If the application is filed in India, registration shall be granted by MHA by following the above procedure. After grant of registration, a registration certificate in the form of a booklet will be issued and a multiple entry, multi-purpose life long OCI ‘U” visa sticker will be pasted on the foreign passport of the applicant. 4. OCI for PIO Card Holders: PIO card holders who are otherwise eligible for registration as an OCI may apply in the same Form i.e. Form XIX and they will be considered for grant of registration in the same manner as other applicants. PIO card holders have to pay a fee of NIS 125 in local currency instead of NIS 1375 as for a normal applicant. PIO card holder will have to surrender his/her PIO card after acceptance of the application for grant of OCI. 5. OCI for persons who have applied on the earlier prescribed application form: All such applications will be considered for grant of an OCI on the same line as above, without seeking fresh application and fees. 6. Cancellation of OCI Registration: If it has been found that the registration as an OCI was obtained by means of fraud, false representation or concealment of any material fact or the registered OCI has shown disaffection towards the Constitution of India or comes under any of the provisions of section 7D of the Citizenship Act, the registration of such person will not only be cancelled forthwith but he/she will also be blacklisted from visiting India. 7. Benefits to an OCI: Following benefits will accrue to an OCI: (i) A multiple entry, multi-purpose life long visa for visiting India. (ii) Exemption from registration with local police authorities for any length of stay in India. (iii) Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties. Any other benefits to an OCI will be notified by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) under Section 7B(1) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. 8. Benefits to which OCI is not entitled to: The OCI is not entitled to vote, be a member of Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council or Parliament, cannot hold constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court or High Court etc. and he/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government. Back to top Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Checklist Documents you need for a complete application 1. OCI Application: Please do not submit any original documents/passports at this stage. All the documents, including the application form, must be submitted in two sets. Online Application form fully filled, printed and Part B completed (typed or written in block letters). http://ociindia.nic.in/ociindia/OnlineOCIRegistrationG.jsp and FORM C 2. Provide accurate contact details (telephone/mobile number/e-mail) to reach you for any additional information. Land: ______________ Mobile:______________ 3. Signature must be within the box. (For infants, no thumb impression or signature on the form is required). 4. Four recent photographs, one for each form meeting strict specifications. 5. Passport Surrender/Renunciation Certificate Proof of Indian origin: One of the following documents to be attached: Old Indian passport photocopy of self (first page, photo page, any other observation page and last page) OR Domicile certificate from competent authorities (District Magistrate, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Executive Magistrate, etc). OR Indian passport or OCI of parents/grand parents and evidence of relationship as parent/grandparent, if their Indian origin is claimed as basis for grant of OCI. OR Birth certificate OR Educational certificates, Marriage certificate, Bank Accounts or any other relevant document. Proof of present citizenship (photocopy of the documents only not originals): 1. Israeli national: Israeli passport (2 set self attested photocopy of Bio page{page having your photo and personal detail}). 2. Foreign national: Foreign Passport 2 set self attested photocopy of Bio page{page having your photo and personal details}). 3. Proof of residency in Israel; photocopy of Visa status /ID (attested by Notary Public). 4. Attach a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). For Minor Applicants 1. Photocopy of Birth certificate of minor applicants (attested by Notary Public) 2. At least one Parent is required to Provide Proof of Indian Origin (see list above) and Proof of present citizenship (see list above) 3. Copies of Current Passport Bio Page {page of your passport having your photo and personal details} of both parents (attested by Notary Public) 4. Custody papers from court in case of single separated parent (attested by Notary Public) If the minor applicant is able to sign, then a “No Objection Letter” from both parents is required. If minor applicant is unable to sign the application, the parents can sign on the minors behalf and there is no requirement of a, “No Objection Letter” from the parents. In case only one parent signs the application form, then a, “No objection letter” is required from the other parent. For PIO card holder: 1. A photocopy of PIO card (first and last page) attested by Notary Public 2. Proof of Indian origin as specified in “Documents to Attach” Other requirements 1. Form “ L” must be filled if the applicant has not officially cancelled his/ her old Indian passport. 2. If applicant’s name is different in Israeli/ Foreign passport from that of the Indian passport, ‘Name Change Certificate’ from competent authorities; 3. If applicant’s appearance is different from that of Indian passport – Statutory Declaration for change of appearance to be attested by Notary of Public 4. During the process of application you may be asked to submit some more documents. Back to top OCI MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES Please read the Salient Features below carefully  as to when  transfer of  U Visa is mandatory on a new passport before visiting India:- SALIENT FEATURES. This service can be availed for re-issuance/issuance of duplicate OCI documents in the following categories: · In case of issuance of new passport. · In case of change of personal particulars viz. nationality etc., · In case of loss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa. · In case of filling of wrong personal particulars while submitting online application viz. name, father’s name, date of birth etc., · In case of change of address/occupation 1. In case of issuance of new passport OCI registration certificate and visa carries the passport number of the registered OCI. Accordingly, each time a new passport is issued to an OCI holder it has to be captured on the registration certificate and visa. This would require re-issuance of OCI registration certificate and visa each time a new passport is issued. However, as the major benefit of OCI Scheme is life long visa to visit India, problems arise each time a new passport is issued. In some countries old passports are not returned. Further, in many countries, the validity of passport is for 5 years. To obviate these difficulties, the following scheme has been incorporated: · Up to the completion of 20 years of age, OCI documents have to be re-issued each time a new passport is issued. · After the completion of 50 years of age, OCI documents have to be re-issued once after issuance of a new passport. · Between 21-50 years of age, there is no need to seek re-issuance of OCI documents each time a new passport is issued. However, if the applicant desires, he may avail the service for re-issuance of OCI documents. 2. In case of change of personal particulars viz. nationality etc., Filing of wrong personal particulars while submitting online application In case of change of personal particulars/wrong filing of personal particulars while submitting online application, OCI holders may seek re-issuance of OCI documents by availing the services. They have to enclose the documentary evidence for the change of the personal particulars. However, in case of change of photograph without the change of the passport, personal interview shall be taken by the Competent Authority before the grant of the service. A fee of NIS 125/- will be charged for the service. 3. In case of Loss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa. In case of loss of OCI documents, a copy of the complaint filed with the Police authorities shall be enclosed. Personal interview of the applicant shall be taken by the Competent Authority before the grant of the service. A fee of NIS 500/- will be charged for the service 4. In case of filling of wrong personal particulars while submitting online application viz. name, father’s name, date of birth etc., In case of filling of wrong personal particulars while submitting the online application, OCI holders may seek re-issuance of OCI documents by availing the services with appropriate fees (NIS 125/-). They have to enclose the documentary evidence for the correct personal particulars. 5. In case of mistakes committed by the Indian Mission/Post/Office while entering the personal particulars. Since the mistake is committed by the Indian Mission/Post/Office, no fee shall be charged for re-issuance of OCI documents. 6. In case of change of address/occupation In case of change of address/occupation, new set of OCI documents will not be issued. The applicant may take a print out of the new address/occupation after online submission and keep for record purposes. No fee shall be charged from the applicant PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED BY THE APPLICANT A software module has been developed by NIC named as OCI Miscellaneous Services. The public interface for this has been hosted on MHA’s website: OCI Main Page - MHA. The procedure to be followed by the applicant is as under: (1) After accessing the OCI Miscellaneous Services and going through the Guidelines and Instructions for filing the application form, the applicant has to fill in at least one of the following data fields: (i) U-Visa number (ii) OCI Registration number (iii) OCI File number (2) Thereafter, the applicant has to fill in all the following fields: (i) Current Passport number (ii) Date of birth (iii) Place of birth (iv) Mother’s name The applicant would be able to proceed ahead and seek the particular service(s) only if, the above data (except 2 (i) above) matches with the OCI database. This feature has been incorporated as a security measure so that the scheme is not misused. (3) The applicant thereafter has to select any one or many of the following services: (i) Change of Passport particulars (ii) Change of Personal particulars (iii) Loss/damage of OCI certificate/visa (4) After selection of the service(s) to be availed, a Registration Form will appear having only the relevant fields, which need to be entered as per the services (s) sought. The applicant has to fill in all the relevant fields afresh online. The reasons for availing the services shall also be filled by the applicant. (5) Upon submission of the Registration Form, a hard copy of the application with Reference number along with the instructions for filling application form shall be printed. The applicant has to sign the application form, paste the photograph (2 inch X 2 inch) and append his signature in the box provided and submit one copy of the application form along with the relevant enclosures and fee as mentioned in the instructions. The application can be submitted to the Embassy of India for applicants ordinarily residing in irrespective of the fact whether the same has issued the original OCI documents or not. Each applicant shall submit separate application form. (6) Enclosures (i) Copy of OCI registration certificate and visa (a) In case of issuance of new passport, copy of U-visa pasted on the old passport along with copy of registration certificate has to be enclosed. If the old passport is not returned by the concerned authorities while issuing new passport and copy of the U-visa had not been taken prior to the surrender of old passport, they may not be enclosed. A copy of new passport also to be enclosed. (b) In case of loss of OCI Registration Certificate and/or Visa, copy of the complaint lodged with Police authorities and copy of visa and registration certificate to be enclosed. If a copy of the registration certificate and/or visa was not taken prior to the loss, they may not be enclosed. The application may be submitted only after personal interview with the competent authority. (c) In case of change of personal particulars (due to change by the applicant or wrong filling of particulars by the applicant, copy of the document (s) relevant for affecting the requisite changes viz. Nationality Certificate in case of change of nationality etc to be enclosed. (ii) Fees (a) NIS 125/- for re-issuance of OCI documents in case of issuance of new passport, change of personal particulars, wrong filing of particulars. (b) NIS 500/- for issuance of duplicate OCI documents in case of loss/damage. (Both OCI registration certificate and visa shall be issued in respect of any/all service (s)). Person of Indian Origin card (PIO Card Scheme 2002) Who is a PIO? • A person who was an Indian national or any of whose ancestors was an Indian national and who is presently holding another country's citizenship/nationality i.e. he/she is holding a foreign passport; or • Any person who at any time held an Indian Passport; or • Any person who was born in or was permanently resident in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935 and otherterritories that became part of India thereafter, or whose parents or grandparents were so born/were so resident provided neither was at any time a citizen of Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The scheme covers upto four generations; or • Any person who is a spouse of an Indian citizen or of a person of Indian origin as mentioned above and has been for more then one year. (Please not that if marriage is later declared invalid, the PIO card will not longer be valid). Who is eligible to apply for a PIO card? Any person meeting any of the above definitions of a PIO, except nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and stateless persons, is eligible to apply for a PIO card. Who is ineligible to apply for a PIO card? Nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka or any stateless person, or any person who had been a national of any of these counties or either of whose parents, grand parents or great grand parents had been nationals of these counties at any time. Please read “Cancellation of PIO Card” also. What benefits accrue to a PIO card holder? • No visa required for visiting India. • No separate “Student Visa” required for admissions to educational institutions in India • No separate “Employment Visa” required for taking up employment in India. • Special counters at immigration check posts for speedy clearance. • Exemption from the requirement of registration if stay on any single visit in India does not exceed 180 days. (NOTE: In the event of continuous stay in India exceeding 180 days, the PIO Card holder shall have to register at least a month before the expiry of the180 day period with the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration officer/Foreigners Registration Officer) • Parity with non-resident Indians in respect of facilities available to the latter in economic, financial and educational field, specifically in the following areas:- o in respect of all facilities in the matter of acquisition, holding, transfer and disposal of immovable properties in India except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties; o in respect of facilities available to children of NRIs for getting admission to educational institutions in India including medical colleges, engineering colleges, Institute of Technology, Institute of Management, etc. under the general categories; o in respect of facilities available under the various housing scheme of LIC, State Government and other Government Agencies (Note: No parity with NRIs is allowed in the sphere of political rights) Processing Time Minimum two weeks; may take more time. What is the Validity of the PIO Card? A PIO Card shall be valid for a period of fifteen years from the date of issue subject to the validity of the passport of the applicant. In other words, the PIO card shall be valid only if the passport held by the individual is valid on a particular date. After issuance of the PIO card, if the holder is issued a new passport, he should get the details of the new passport endorsed on the PIO card. What will be the status of PIO Cards issued earlier as per PIO Card Scheme (1999)? PIO Cards issued earlier for US $1000 will continue to remain valid and no refund shall be admissible. However, the validity of such cards shall be extendable by 10 more years without charging any fee. Acquisition of duplicate PIO Card in case of loss etc Application in the prescribed format with supporting documents (see How to Apply above) PLUS an FIR or document giving the details of how the PIO card was lost/damaged, should be submitted to the same office that issued the original PIO card Cancellation of PIO Card The Central Government may, by order, cancel a PIO Card, if it is satisfied that: 1. The PIO Card was obtained by means of fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact ;or 2. The PIO Card holder has shown himself by act or speech to be disaffected towards the Constitution of India and other laws of India; or 3. The PIO Card holder is a citizen or, subject of any country at war with, or committing external aggression against India; or of any other country assisting the country at war with, or committing such aggression against India; or 4. The PIO Card holder has been sentenced in India for indulging in acts of terrorism, smuggling of narcotics, arms, ammunition etc. or has been sentenced for committing an offence punishable with imprisonment up to one year or fine up to rupees ten thousand; or 5. It is not conductive to the public interest that the person should continue to hold a PIO Card. 6. No reasons shall be assigned for cancellation of the Card. Back to top Person of Indian Origin (PIO) Checklist Part A Documents required 1. Enclose one set of application FORM “I” along with all documentation 2. Four recent photographs, meeting specifications listed in “What size photo do I need?” 3. Signature in original inside the box on the form. 4. Attach Bio page (Page with your Photo and Personal details) of Israeli/Foreign passport photocopy attested by Notary Public. Note: Passport must have a validity of more than six months. 5. Provide accurate contact details (telephone/ mobile numbers) that will be used to reach you for any additional information. Land : ___________ Mobile:____________ in Israel. Pay the correct PIO fee in cash only. Part B Documents required Proof of Indian origin: (Photocopies must be attested by Notary Public) Indian Passport OR Photocopy of the bio and last page of the old Indian passport. OR Any of the following documents: 1. Photocopy of birth certificate. 2. Photocopy of educational certificate. 3. Photocopy of marriage certificate. (in case of spouse of a person of Indian origin) 4. Photocopy of domicile certificate. Applicants are encouraged to submit as many of the above documents for proof of Indian origin. Part C: Additional Documents to be provided by Israeli/Foreign national married to Persons of Indian Origin: (Photocopies must be attested by Notary Public) 1. Photocopy of Marriage Certificate and Form “K” duly filled. This Form must be filled up by a Person of Indian Origin on whose basis the PIO card has been applied. 2. Proof of Indian origin of spouse. (As many of the documents listed in Part B or OCI/PIO card issued to spouse. 3. In case of foreign nationals (other than Israeli) current passport in original or photocopies of the entire passport. During the process of your application you may be asked to submit some more documents Part D: Documents required if applicant is Minor ( under 18 years) 1. Photocopy of birth certificate of minor applicants (attested by Notary Public) 2. Passports photocopy of both the parents (attested by Notary Public) 3. In case of minor applicant, application form has to be signed by both the parents. If both parents do not sign the application form then Form “J” has to be submitted by both the parents, separately. In case only one parent signs the application Form, then NOC is required to be submitted by the other parent. (This must be signed in presence of Notary Public and attested by Notary Public). 4. Custody papers from court in case of single separated parent /Guardian(attested by Notary Public) Other requirements Part E Form “L” for all applicants who have not formally renounced their Indian citizenship. Back to top A comparative chart on NRI-OCI-PIO schemes
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