In a move aimed at strengthening ties with the Indian-origin community in Sri Lanka, India has expanded eligibility for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to include up to the sixth generation of people of Indian descent.
The announcement was made by C. P. Radhakrishnan during his official visit to Sri Lanka, highlighting India’s continued focus on deepening regional and diaspora connections.
Previously, OCI eligibility in Sri Lanka was limited to the fourth generation. The revised policy is expected to benefit a large section of the Indian-origin Tamil community, many of whom trace their roots back several generations but were earlier excluded under stricter norms.
The OCI card, introduced in 2005, allows foreign nationals of Indian origin visa-free travel to India and provides several economic and educational benefits similar to those available to Non-Resident Indians. However, OCI cardholders are not granted political rights such as voting or contesting elections. Officials stated that the process of obtaining OCI cards will also be simplified. Applications may now be processed using documentation issued by Sri Lankan authorities, reducing delays and administrative hurdles for applicants.
The development comes as part of India’s broader diplomatic engagement with Sri Lanka, which includes cooperation in infrastructure, housing projects, and continued economic assistance following Sri Lanka’s recent financial crisis.
The decision is being seen as a significant step toward reinforcing historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties between the two nations, while further strengthening India’s presence and goodwill in the region.