Overseas Indian Citizenship
It has been decided to offer the “Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)” scheme announced by the Government of India to South African citizens of Indian origin with immediate effect.

Eligibility Criteria: A foreign national, who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26.1.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at anytime after 26.1.1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.8.1947 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. PIO card holders and those eligible to become PIO may also apply for OCI.

Application Form and Procedure:-

A family consisting of spouses and upto two minor children can apply in the same form. Following documents must be enclosed in each application:-

1.Proof of present citizenship.
2. Evidence of self or parents or grand parents:-

  • Being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the constitution or
  • Being citizen of India on or after 26.1.1950.
  • These could be copy of the passport, or copy of the domicile certificate issued by the competent authority, or any other proof
    3. Evidence of relationship as parent/grandparent, if their Indian origin is claimed as basis for grant of OCI.

    4. The application form completed in all respects along with enclosures should be submitted in duplicate at the Indian Consulate General with the prescribed fee.

    Benefits to an OCI:-

    Following benefits will accrue to an OCI:-

  • A Multiple entry, multi-purpose life long visa for visiting India.
  • Exemption from registration with local police authorities for any length of stay in India.
  • Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.

    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.

    Eligible persons may apply for OCI to Consular Section at the Consulate General of India’s office located at Old Station Building, 4th Floor, 160 Pine Street, Durban-4001(Telephone No.- 3047020, Fax- 3047008).

    Application fee for OCI is Rand 2200 (One Thousand Eight Hundred & Thirty Five Rands Only) except for PIO card holders who would be charged Rand 200(One Hundred & Seventy Rands only). Fee will be refunded if the application is not accepted.

    To download OCI Application Form click www.mha.nic.in
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