The data reveals a pronounced concentration of OCI cards among four English-speaking countries, which collectively account for approximately 3.5 million OCI cardholders—over 85% of the top ten countries listed. The United States leads significantly with 1,640,840 cardholders, representing nearly 40% of the top ten total. This is followed by the United Kingdom (820,734), Canada (549,447), and Australia (490,709), creating a clear pattern of OCI distribution that reflects historical migration trends from India to these developed English-speaking nations.
This distribution pattern directly reflects several waves of Indian migration throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries. The substantial numbers in the US and UK likely represent both recent professional migration (particularly tech workers to the US) and historical colonial-era connections (especially with the UK). Canada and Australia have attracted significant Indian immigration through their points-based immigration systems that favor skilled professionals and students. The high representation of these countries demonstrates how Indian diaspora communities have established themselves most substantially in economically developed, English-speaking nations that offered educational and professional opportunities.
Beyond the top four countries, we see a second tier of OCI distribution with significantly smaller numbers. Portugal leads this group with 109,447 cardholders, followed by Malaysia (77,876), New Zealand (73,891), Italy (70,426), Singapore (66,572), and Germany (59,429). These numbers represent important but smaller Indian diaspora communities. Portugal’s surprisingly high position likely reflects its unique historical connection with Goa (a former Portuguese colony until 1961) and its Golden Visa program that attracted Indian investment. Malaysia and Singapore’s presence on the list demonstrates the significant Indian communities in Southeast Asia dating back to British colonial administration.
The geographical distribution of OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards reveals interesting regional patterns in Indian diaspora connections. North America, comprising the United States and Canada, accounts for approximately 2.19 million OCI cards, making it the primary destination for the Indian diaspora. Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, Portugal, Italy, and Germany, follows with around 1.06 million OCI cards. In Oceania, Australia and New Zealand collectively account for approximately 564,600 cards. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Singapore, has a significantly smaller share, with around 144,448 OCI cards. This distribution underscores the stronger connections the Indian diaspora has established in certain regions, with North America emerging as the most significant hub, followed by Europe.
The distribution of OCI cards also carries economic significance for India. The countries with the highest number of OCI cardholders are also among the top sources of remittances and foreign direct investment into India. The OCI scheme facilitates easier business connections, property ownership, and financial ties between these diaspora communities and India, creating channels for economic engagement that benefit the Indian economy. The high concentration in developed economies suggests that OCI cardholders likely represent a significant source of capital inflow, knowledge transfer, and business connections for India.
The distribution of OCI cards also reflects and reinforces India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy efforts. By maintaining strong formal connections with its diaspora in influential countries like the US, UK, and other developed nations, India extends its cultural and diplomatic reach. The fact that over 1.6 million Americans hold OCI cards creates a substantial constituency with personal ties to India, potentially influencing bilateral relations and cultural exchange between the two countries. Similar dynamics exist with the other top countries on this list.
