Posted on: 10-01-11 10:41:59
Quote:
Originally posted by dimple2001
Anyway, kidding aside, I don't believe OCI entitles one to Indian consular access as it is not an Indian citizenship.
I don't think that's the issue. The issue for Mr Cdn. citizen would be Canadian consular access if you're arrested while visiting India. Same for citizens of the US or UK etc. This is one of the main reasons some folks wanted the PIO instead of the OCI.
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Quote:
Originally posted by BlueLobster
Here's a good OCI vs. PIO chart. You can see there's some ambiguity on consular access, the Indian govt. says "No", however the US govt. says "yes".
http://www.immihelp.com/nri/pio-vs-oci.html
I had asked that site's owner what is the source of their information a few years back, never heard back from them. Until now I have not seen any Indian government website saying that they will deny consular access to any foreign citizen with OCI.
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Quote:
Originally posted by BlueLobster
Quote:
Originally posted by dimple2001
Anyway, kidding aside, I don't believe OCI entitles one to Indian consular access as it is not an Indian citizenship.
I don't think that's the issue. The issue for Mr Cdn. citizen would be Canadian consular access if you're arrested while visiting India. Same for citizens of the US or UK etc. This is one of the main reasons some folks wanted the PIO instead of the OCI.
But OCI is not a dual citizenship, then where is the problem?
Even if Mr Cdn. citizen hold OCI, he/she will have full access to Canadian consular services while visiting India.
Quote:
Originally posted by chcool
If one is not happy with oci/pio merging, they can continue to be overseas citizens instead of questioning rules and regulations set by India.
People born in India learn to respect rules of the country when they migrate to other country but fail to respect the rules set by mother land.
Shame.
I am not sure why it is so difficult to hold a subjective and civilized discussion on the net now a days.
If one should obey the rules set by a country then why argue about passport surrender fees?
Why was the complaining about high OCI fees in canada vs USA ever an issue?
Why complain about ridiculous behaviour of consulate officers? Why complain at all?
We are supposed to complain to make things better otherwise there will be no improvement ever. Please do not try to be unnecessarily aggressive towards those who have a different opinion.
Dont know how many here know that PIO costs twice as much OCI. There is a reason why it is preferred by some or more suitable for others.
OCI needs way too many forms filled up, takes almost 3 months where as obtaining PIO is much quicker. Once when I tried to get OCI it asked me for birth certificate from school that I passed out in 70s. The school does not exist now so how do I get the certificate. Also many people born abroad and their kids can get PIO easily but OCI will be out of question.
The issue of consular access is of paramount importance in corrupt countires. It is sort of last card in your hand.
So while some can wave their arms in praise of OCI, PIO card is much more suitable for others.
And while posting your opinions please express yourself in civilized terms without personal attacks.
Quote:
Originally posted by rajcanada
Quote:
Originally posted by BlueLobster
Here's a good OCI vs. PIO chart. You can see there's some ambiguity on consular access, the Indian govt. says "No", however the US govt. says "yes".
http://www.immihelp.com/nri/pio-vs-oci.html
I had asked that site's owner what is the source of their information a few years back, never heard back from them. Until now I have not seen any Indian government website saying that they will deny consular access to any foreign citizen with OCI.
Granted, however I haven't seen any GOI websites clearly identifying what the process is in cases like these or that you will be granted consular access. And the consular access issue has been raised in several immigration forums with no clear answers, so it remains murky. You gotta wonder why the GOI wouldn't clarify this once and for all in an official FAQ, I haven't seen that anywhere. As it stands now, it would seem to me that Mr. Cdn. citizen who's also an OCI is at the mercy of of someone who'll make up the rules as they go along (as frequently happens in India) if they get into legal trouble in India.
Quote:
OCI is not a dual citizenship. It is just a lifelong visa with some added benefits. I don't think it will have any effect on US citizenship or consular services.
OCI isn't dual citizenship, but I'd sure like to know the name of the genius who came up with the title "Overseas citizenship of India". Wha...?? Why call it citizenship if its not? And then publish all kinds of clarifications stating it ain't really dual-citizenship. This is the root of all the confusion and feeds the doubts about the consular access issue. I wish they would've come up with a better name. (PIO in my opinion is more appropriate)
Personally, I'm not too concerned if the two merge, but I think they should've either come up with this from the start OR waited a few years till the application processes and the understanding of benefits/rights gained more maturity amongst the masses. Doing this now, right after unleashing the surrender certificate mess just adds to the confusion.
In fairness though, as Indian citizens, we had little say into silly visa rules other countries made up and changed all the time. We complied. I guess the same thing should apply here.
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As some one said, an individual or group of people complaining will have no effect on govt. policies. If govt feels the two should be merged, they have something in mind looking at long term picture.
If i were you, and my interest in india and all my assets in india, then i would relinquish forign citizenship and opt for indian passport. Or else will take visa to india whenever required if i do not have assets in india. This is reality.
My personal experience, one can not put one leg in india and other leg in canada/elsewhere.
Quote:
Originally posted by BlueLobster
Personally, I'm not too concerned if the two merge, but I think they should've either come up with this from the start OR waited a few years till the application processes and the understanding of benefits/rights gained more maturity amongst the masses. Doing this now, right after unleashing the surrender certificate mess just adds to the confusion.
Thats asking for too from the BABUs... India is aiming to be a (financial) superpower in this century and where is all the money coming from? Everyone has to pay his/her share to make it (financial) superpower...
Jokes aside, when they came up with super idea of OCI, why did they just not extend the benefits of PIO to be same as (new proposed) OCI+PIO? That would have eliminated all this confusion in the first place.
Hiren
