Can Indians have dual citizenship? Dual citizenship means that one has citizenship of two countries. In case of dual citizenship, that person gets the rights and privileges of both the countries. But the Constitution of India does not allow holding Indian citizenship and citizenship of any other country simultaneously.
Can Indians have dual citizenship? If a person is recognized as a citizen of two countries simultaneously, it means that he has dual citizenship. In other words, dual citizenship means being a citizen of two countries simultaneously. Every country has its own law and rules regarding citizenship. Dual citizenship cannot be obtained by anyone by his wish. It is a legal situation. For example, if a child of an American citizen is born outside the country, then that child will automatically become a citizen of the country of birth and America.
In the case of dual citizenship, a person gets the rights and privileges of both the countries. Such as permission to live, work and travel freely, and access to social services in both countries. Under this, a person can avail various benefits available in that country. The main ones among which are education, health care and social security. Having dual citizenship also allows individuals to hold multiple passports, making international travel more convenient. A person can obtain dual citizenship through many means such as birth, marriage and netulization. However, some responsibilities also have to be fulfilled with dual citizenship. Like paying taxes in both countries and following the laws of each country.
Recently, the Consulate in the US had given clarification on dual citizenship. It said that the Constitution of India does not allow holding Indian citizenship and citizenship of a foreign country simultaneously. The Government of India has decided to register certain categories of persons of Indian origin, as specified in Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, as Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cardholders. It is basically a lifetime visa and has some other privileges attached to it. It also reiterated that holding an OCI card does not in any way entitle its holders to claim dual citizenship status.
What does the law of India say
The Constitution of India prohibits any person from holding both Indian citizenship and foreign citizenship at the same time. However, based on the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Indian Diaspora (Non-Resident Indians), the Government of India introduced Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), often called ‘dual citizenship’. OCI card is an option for those who want to maintain their connection with India while holding citizenship of another country.
Is OCI the same as dual citizenship?
The Government of India offers Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), often referred to as dual citizenship. However, OCI does not confer full citizenship rights. India started granting OCI in the year 2005.
What is PIO
Person of Indian Origin is a person whose ancestor was an Indian citizen and currently holds citizenship of another country. These people have a passport of the same country. Because these people have a foreign passport, they do not get any special benefits in India. A PIO is a foreign citizen who has roots or ties in India, except for individuals from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Eligibility Criteria for OCI in India
Before applying for dual citizenship in India, it is important to consider the specific eligibility criteria, which may vary depending on other countries. To be eligible for Dual Citizenship with India (OCI), the following rules apply…
Individuals who have been living in India for more than 7 years.
Those who are married to Indian citizens.
Individuals whose parents have Indian citizenship, the applicant has been living in India for at least one year.
Individuals who are registered as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) for at least 5 years.
There are some countries in the world that have adopted the policy of dual citizenship. These countries offer Indian citizens an opportunity to maintain their Indian heritage through the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card.
Canada: Canada allows dual citizenship, allowing Indian citizens to maintain their Indian roots through the OCI card while taking advantage of Canadian citizenship.
Australia: Australia allows dual citizenship, allowing Indian citizens to benefit from both Indian and Australian privileges with the OCI card.
Germany: Germany accepts dual citizenship under certain conditions, allowing Indian citizens to maintain their ties with India through the OCI card.
Sweden: Sweden allows dual citizenship, allowing Indian citizens to retain their Indian identity with an OCI card while becoming a Swedish citizen.
United Kingdom: The UK allows dual citizenship, allowing Indian citizens to retain their Indian identity with an OCI card while keeping British nationality.
Norway: Norway accepts dual citizenship, allowing Indian citizens to preserve their Indian roots through the OCI card while keeping Norwegian citizenship.
Ireland: Ireland allows dual citizenship, allowing Indian citizens to take advantage of both Irish and Indian connections with the OCI card.
United States: The United States allows dual citizenship, allowing Indian citizens to retain their Indian heritage through the OCI card while becoming US citizens.
Finland: Finland allows dual citizenship, allowing Indian citizens to retain their Indian ties through the OCI card while keeping Finnish citizenship.
New Zealand: New Zealand allows dual citizenship, allowing Indian citizens to retain their Indian identity with the OCI card while becoming New Zealand citizens.
