Indian Consulate in New York Clarifies No New Restrictions on OCI Cardholders
The Indian Consulate in New York has denied reports claiming new restrictions on Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. The consulate confirmed that the provisions outlined in the Gazette Notification dated March 4, 2021, remain unchanged.
The OCI Scheme, introduced in 2005, allows Persons of Indian Origin to register as OCI. This grants them multiple entry, life-long visas, and other benefits similar to Non-Resident Indians, except in acquiring agricultural properties.
The consulate stated, “We have come across news reports spreading false information that restrictions have been placed on OCI card holders in the recent past.” They reassured the Indian American community that no new changes have been introduced recently.
Doubts Revealed
Indian Consulate -: An Indian Consulate is an office in another country that helps Indian citizens and people of Indian origin with various services like visas and passports.
New York -: New York is a big city in the United States of America where one of the Indian Consulates is located.
OCI Cardholders -: OCI stands for Overseas Citizen of India. OCI cardholders are people of Indian origin who live in other countries but have special cards that give them some benefits in India.
Gazette Notification -: A Gazette Notification is an official announcement published by the government to inform the public about new laws or changes in rules.
March 4, 2021 -: This is the date when the government made an official announcement about the rules for OCI cardholders.
OCI Scheme -: The OCI Scheme is a program started in 2005 that allows people of Indian origin to get an OCI card, which gives them benefits like a life-long visa to India.
Persons of Indian Origin -: Persons of Indian Origin are people who have Indian ancestors but live in other countries.
Non-Resident Indians -: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are Indian citizens who live outside India for work, education, or other reasons.
agricultural properties -: Agricultural properties are lands used for farming. OCI cardholders cannot buy these lands in India.
