A large number of our community members have either already obtained their certificates of being ‘Overseas Citizen of India’ or are considering the possibility of doing so seriously.
The concern faced by all is what is the status of their British Nationality especially when visiting India. Would the British Government provide any consular assistance should that become necessary or deny that assistance stating that the person concerned is considered a Indian National and not entitled to any Consular assistance. There were all kinds of interpretations going round and causing severe concerns to those who had already obtained their OCI status and stopped many from applying for it.
Mr Gopal Bhudia of Freeman Solicitors have now obtained a very clear statement from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and kindly allowed us to publicise the response for the general benefit of the community at large. A copy of the letter is also be downloaded from the link at the bottom of this page. Mr Bhudia has kindly agreed to being circulated freely.
Click here to download the the above letter in PDF Format
For further information or clarification should it be required please contact the Foreign & Commonwealth Office directly at the address shown.