Q463. Will my Indian Pension be effected if I acquire Canadian Citizenship and OCI

Question: Sir/Madam,

My retirement is due in 2018 after 20 years of job in State Agricultural

University (PAU, Ldh.), Punjab.

My Canadian citizenship Oath is in Nov. 2013. I want to get OCI and continue

job until 2018 (until retirement and completion of 20 yrs).

I want to know will I be entitled for Pension even when I will be OCI holder in

2018 or should I not take Canadian citizenship to avail pension benefits at 20

yrs of service?

Regards

Dr HS Grewal

Answer: Pension is normally awarded as a result of your work and services provided to an employer and is an earned benefit. I doubt if citizenship would make any difference as long as you complete your 20 year employment as planned. If you become a Canadian citizen, you will need a employment visa to work in India. OCI holders on the other hand can legally work in India. To avoid any tension and set your mind at ease, it would be best to speak to your employer and confirm that you can continue to work after acquiring OCI and that you would be awarded your pension after completing 20 years of service. Your employer is the only authority that can give you precise answers to your inquiry. Most pensions in India, including government employee pensions can be send abroad to people who have Indian pensions and move abroad.