10 Aug, 2013
Registered Overseas Indian Citizens Total 1.37 million
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, 07-August, 2013 – A total of 1,372,624 Overseas Indians have been registered as overseas citizens of India (OCIs) as of 31.07.2013. The highest number of 520,055 Overseas Indians in USA have been registered as OCIs followed by U.K. (307,822,) Australia (133,755) and Canada (114,748).
As reported by 107 Indian Missions and Posts abroad, 11,672 applications for OCI registration are in different stages of processing. The facilities available to OCIs are: 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 field except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties,they can obtain PAN card and driving license if they reside in India, open a regular bank account in India while in India, parity with NRIs in respect of entry fees to be charged for visiting the national monuments, historical sites and museum in India, parity with NRIs in the matter of inter-country adoption of Indian children, tariffs in air fares in domestic sectors in India and charging of entry fee as domestic Indian visitors to visit national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India.
State Governments are to ensure that OCI registration booklets of OCIs are treated as their identification for any services rendered by them. In case proof of residence is required, OCI may give an affidavit attested by a notary public stating that a particular specific address may be treated as their place of residence in India and may also in their affidavit give their overseas residential address as well as e-mail address, if any.
Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Mr Vayalar Ravi gave this information in reply to a written question in the Lok Sabha today.
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