Non-Resident Indian (NRI) children enjoy certain rights and advantages in India and can keep in touch with their native country easily. Although NRI children stay outside India, they are covered by different laws, educational schemes, property right entitlements, and other forms of benefits through Indian law. Their rights essentially vary based on their citizenship, i.e., whether they carry an Indian passport, an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, or hold foreign citizenship.
Benefits of NRI Kids in India:
Rights of Education:
- NRI and OCI kids are allowed to study in India under reserved admission quotas in schools and universities.
- Several institutions, such as IITs and medical colleges, have reserved NRI/OCI seats.
- They might be asked to pay a higher fee than Indian citizens.
Rights of Property:
- Indian passport holders are free to purchase and inherit property in India.
- OCI cardholders can buy residential and commercial properties but not agricultural land or farmhouses.
- NRI children can inherit property from parents or relatives.
Financial Rights:
- Indian passport holders can open and maintain normal bank accounts in India.
- OCI cardholders can open NRE (Non-Resident External), NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary), and FCNR (Foreign Currency Non-Resident) accounts.
- They can invest in Indian mutual funds, shares, and real estate as per RBI rules.
Healthcare and Medical Benefits:
- NRI children are eligible to receive healthcare facilities in India, including private hospitals.
- They are not eligible for government-sponsored health schemes meant for Indian residents.
Voting and Political Rights:
- Indian passport holders are eligible to vote in Indian elections once they attain the age of majority.
- OCI cardholders are not eligible to vote, stand for elections, or take up government employment in India.
