Q.1168 Grant of OCI to

Nepalese Citizen married to

Indian Citizen

Question: Hello sir I, Dr Harmeet Gulati, am a citizen of india and an indian passport holder. I recently married a citizen of nepal. My query is that after 2 years of my marriage, will my spouse(nepalese citizen) be able to avail OCI or not? I have been researching a lot but couldnt get a clear answer. On th OCI website it states that except pakistan and bangladesh, citizens of other countries are eligible if they fulfil the conditions. The rules also state that "the other country must allow dual citizenship in some form or the other" However nepal doesnt allow dual citizenship, i know oci is not a citizenship, but still i couldnt find if nepalese are allowed oci cards. She is also a doctor and would require OCI card to legally practice in india and clear MCI. thanking you Answer: My understanding is that citizens of Nepal are not eligible to apply for registration as Overseas Citizen of India [OCI]. Citizens of Nepal can visit India with simply proof of their Nepalese citizenship. Doctors who have foreign medical degrees cannot start practicing medicine in India simply on the basis of having OCI. They still need to clear the licensing requirements of India. I believe from next year the National Exit Test (NEXT) will replace the previous tests required to practice medicine in India by doctors who have foreign qualifications.