An OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card is a special immigration status granted by the Indian government to people of Indian origin who are citizens of other countries. Introduced in 2005, the OCI scheme was created to maintain ties with the Indian diaspora and offer certain benefits to former Indian citizens and their descendants. While not true dual citizenship (which India’s constitution doesn’t permit), OCI status provides lifelong visa-free travel to India and nearly all the rights of resident Indians except for political rights such as voting or holding public office. OCI cardholders can work, study, and own property in India (except agricultural land), and enjoy parity with resident Indians in economic, financial, and educational matters. This status represents India’s recognition of its global diaspora while maintaining a formal distinction between non-resident people of Indian origin and full citizens.