Can OCI Card Holders Work in India? Understanding the Rules and Procedures

Dear All,

Could anyone let me know the procedure if an OCI holder wants to work in India? What are the rules, procedures, and documentation in this regard that he would need to comply with? The contact details of the offices/websites where he needs to apply would also be helpful.

You could also email me the details at [Login to view].

Regards,
Rajesh

An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cannot take up government employment.

There is no restriction for an OCI to take employment in the private sector. However, I had a doubt about whether an OCI will fall under "International Workman" for the purpose of EPF. Since he holds a passport issued by a country outside India, he is presumed to be an international workman because an international worker is one who holds a passport other than an Indian passport. But at the same time, being an OCI, he is free to visit India without a visa, he can stay in India for any length of time without informing the police station about his arrival and has all the rights that an Indian citizen has except rights like voting, the right to become a member of parliament or assembly, the right to become a justice of the Indian judicial system, and the right to take up employment in government. I had asked for clarifications on this matter from the Officials of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation but failed to receive any reply.

For details regarding OCI status, please follow the link.

::Ministry of Home Affairs::

Regards,

Madhu.T.K

OCI can work in private sector firms without a work permit. I hope you have gone through the suggested link as well.

Regards,
Madhu.T.K

I know there are some examples of PIO and OCI cardholders who do have government jobs in India. If you know of any such cases, please let me know how it was done and what kind of government job—was it in a university or an institute under the DAE? I need to know the precedents for such things.

If we take OCI holders into private employment, are they eligible for income tax exemptions like Chapter VI A, 80C, 80D, etc.? If someone could share detailed information, it would be highly helpful.

Thank you,

Pasupathy VN

The OCI scheme details are available on the link http://mha1.nic.in/pdfs/ForeigD-FAQs-PIO-Crd.pdf.

Benefits for PIO Cardholders

Sr. No. 6 provides the benefits available to PIO cardholders, and it specifically states, "No separate Student/Employment/Business visa will be required for admission in colleges/institutions or taking up employment, business, etc., in India."

Registration Requirement for Extended Stay

In the event of continuous stay in India exceeding 180 days, the PIO Cardholder must get himself/herself registered within 30 days of the expiry of 180 days with the concerned jurisdictional FRRO/FRO.