Pak-born Salma Agha wants OCI status | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Pak-born Salma Agha wants OCI status

May 24, 2016 07:00 AM IST

NEW DELHI: Salma Agha, a British national of Pakistani origin who acted and sang in Bollywood movies in the 80s and 90s, wants to become an overseas citizen of India (OCI) on the basis of her pre-partition Indian roots.

HT Image
HT Image

Her application has put the Union home ministry in a fix as the OCI status is explicitly prohibited for Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Agha’s application comes soon after Pakistani singer Adnan Sami acquired Indian citizenship. “She has made a formal application in this regard. She claims that despite being born in Pakistan she was never a citizen of that country. We are looking into her application,” said a senior home ministry official requesting anonymity.

The official said Agha has claimed that her grandfather was an Indian national and she is a British national, which makes her eligible for OCI status.

Citizens of other countries can apply for OCI status if they were a citizen or were eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution or thereafter. Their children or grandchildren can also apply under the scheme. Besides any person who belonged to a territory that became part of India after the 15th August, 1947, now a citizen of another country can also get OCI status.

OCIs get a life-long multiple entry, multi-purpose visa to visit India. They are also exempted from reporting to the police for any length of stay here. They also get parity with NRIs in financial, economic and educational matters except in the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.

Agha hit stardom after acting and singing in her debutmovie, BR Chopra-directed Nikah in 1982. Her mother and grandmother – both acted in Bollywood movies.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On