Docs with OCI may get practising right here

Doctors of Indian origin, who are foreign citizens, may soon be able to practice in India, provided they have the Overseas Citizenship of India ...

Doctors of Indian origin, who are foreign citizens, may soon be able to practice in India, provided they have the Overseas Citizenship of India OCI.

This is one of the benefits the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs proposes for those who have OCI. Malay Mishra, joint secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs told The Indian Express that the proposals will be sent for the ministries concerned for consultations. Only after that a notification, expected in two to three month8217;s time, under section 7B1 of the Citizenship Act, 1955, will be brought out in this regard.

As of now, the doctors of Indian origin who acquire citizenship of another country cannot practice in the country.

A change in the lines of the proposal would be significant, given the fact that doctors of Indian origin, as a group, is rapidly growing in stature and expertise. Officials at the Ministry feel this proposal will also give the Indians to access to 8216;8216;world class8217;8217; options in treatment in India from some of the most sought-after doctors in the world.

Among other benefits proposed is parity with Indians nationals at historical monuments, other places of cultural importance and hotels. Moreover, the proposals include giving those with OCIs a greater role in availing the investment opportunities in India 8212; at par with non resident Indians 8212; in financial, economic and educational fields.

However, they still would not be given political rights, such as contesting elections or occupying constitutional seats. They would also not eligible to become judges.

The OCI scheme was formally launched at the 4th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, held in Hyderabad in January this year. So far, 35, 000 people have got the Overseas Citizenship of India. Persons of Indian origin PIOs who migrated from India and acquired citizenship of a foreign country other than Pakistan and Bangladesh, are eligible for OCI as long as their home countries allow dual citizenship.

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The registered OCIs already have facilities such as multiple entry, multi-purpose life long visa to visit India and exemption from reporting to the police for any length of time while staying in the country.

A person registered as an OCI is eligible to apply for grant of Indian citizenship under Section 51g of the Citizenship Act, 1955, if he or she is registered as OCI for five years and has been residing in India for one year out of the five years before filing the the application for the same.