Holding an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card grants significant benefits, but it does not equate to full Indian citizenship. Here are the key differences in legal status and rights between OCI cardholders and Indian citizens:

• Voting and Political Rights: OCI cardholders cannot vote in Indian elections, hold public office or take up government jobs. These rights are reserved exclusively for Indian citizens​​.
• Property Ownership: While OCI cardholders can own residential and commercial properties, they are prohibited from purchasing agricultural land.
• Economic and Financial Rights: OCI cardholders enjoy parity with NRIs in most economic and financial matters, such as investment opportunities and access to educational institutions. However, they are not eligible for government subsidies or welfare benefits​.
• Employment: OCI cardholders are allowed to work in private sector jobs but cannot hold government positions. This distinction underscores their status as foreign nationals, despite their long-term residency rights in India​​.
• Legal Compliance: OCI cardholders must comply with certain NRI Immigration regulations, such as updating their OCI card with each passport renewal before the age of 20 and after the age of 50. They also need specific approval for activities like research, missionary work and journalism​.
• Lifetime Visa: OCI cardholders have a lifelong visa to visit India multiple times for various purposes without the need for additional documentation. They are also exempt from reporting to police authorities for any length of stay in India​​.

This ensure that while OCI cardholders have significant rights and benefits, their status is distinct from that of Indian citizens, adhering to the NRI Immigration framework established by the Indian government​.