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CIRCULAR

OCI’s to be at par with NRI’s

Of late, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Govt. of India has proposed that the overseas citizens of India (OCIs) may be treated at par with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the matter of adoption of Indian children. Some representations have also been received on this subject.

 

The matter has been examined in the Ministry of Women & Child Development. It is noticed in this regard that the Ministry of Home Affairs in their Notification dtd.11th April’2005 has already provided for parity for OCIs and NRIs in respect of facilities available to them in economic, financial and educational fields except in matters relating to acquisition of agricultural or plantations properties. Given these facilities to OCIs, the Ministry of Women & Child Development has decided to treat OCIs at par with NRIs in the matter of adoption of Indian children. This decision has been conveyed to the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in a DO Letter of even No. dated 24.11.2006. Necessary changes in the “Guidelines for Adoption from India-2006” to this effect will take some time. However, this Circular takes effect from 24.11.2006. In any case, it may please be noted by all concerned for information and necessary action that OCIs are to be treated at par with NRIs in the matter of adoption of Indian children.