Indian-origin persons with military background will not be given Overseas Citizens of India card after a high-level committee recommending to the government that any move to grant OCI cards to such people will be against the country's interests.
The inter-ministerial committee's recommendation came after careful examination of all aspects of granting OCI cards to Indian origin people who had served the armed forces of any foreign country.
"The committee felt that any person with military background should not have uninterrupted access to Indian territories. If such a person is granted OCI card, he or she could enter India without visa and the facility is offered for life," a senior government official privy to the development said.
The move came after the government received several applications of Indian origin persons who had served in militaries of foreign countries.
An OCI card holder gets benefits like life-long visa and exemption from appearing before the local police station on every visit.
Government in January 2015 had declared that all Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card holders are deemed to be Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders.
The decision to merge PIO card with OCI card was taken after a large number of complaints were received from PIO card holders who often complained of visits to local police stations and stringent visa norms that debarred them from buying property in India, in comparison to those holding OCI cards.
The inter-ministerial committee's recommendation came after careful examination of all aspects of granting OCI cards to Indian origin people who had served the armed forces of any foreign country.
"The committee felt that any person with military background should not have uninterrupted access to Indian territories. If such a person is granted OCI card, he or she could enter India without visa and the facility is offered for life," a senior government official privy to the development said.
The move came after the government received several applications of Indian origin persons who had served in militaries of foreign countries.
An OCI card holder gets benefits like life-long visa and exemption from appearing before the local police station on every visit.
Government in January 2015 had declared that all Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card holders are deemed to be Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders.
The decision to merge PIO card with OCI card was taken after a large number of complaints were received from PIO card holders who often complained of visits to local police stations and stringent visa norms that debarred them from buying property in India, in comparison to those holding OCI cards.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%