Archive · 28 Jan 2026
European Council Chief Shows OCI Card
António Costa, the European Council Chief, showed his OCI card at a meeting with important leaders.
An OCI card is a special card that lets people who have Indian family background live, work, and travel in India forever.
It was given to Costa by Prime Minister Modi in 2017 because he has Goan roots.
The OCI card has many benefits, like not needing a special visa to enter India and being treated like Non-Resident Indians in some ways.
However, it doesn't give the right to vote or work in certain jobs.
To get an OCI card, you need to prove your Indian origin and apply online.
It's a great way for people with Indian heritage to stay connected to India.
António Costa, European Council Chief, displayed his OCI card at Hyderabad House on 27th January 2026.
The OCI card was granted to Costa by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017 due to his Goan descent.
An OCI card is a lifelong visa for foreign nationals of Indian origin, allowing them to live, work, and travel in India indefinitely.
OCI cardholders enjoy benefits such as multiple-entry visas, exemption from FRRO registration, and parity with NRIs in financial, economic, and educational matters.
OCI cardholders cannot vote, hold constitutional posts, or be employed in public services, and they cannot buy agricultural or plantation properties.
- Who
- António Costa, European Council Chief, with Goan descent
- What
- Showed his OCI card at Hyderabad House
- When
- Tuesday, 27th January 2026
- Where
- Hyderabad House, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
- Why
- To demonstrate his OCI card status
- OCI Card Introduction Year
- 2005
- António Costa's OCI Card Grant Year
- 2017
- OCI Card Validity
- Lifelong
- OCI Card Benefits
- Multiple-entry, multi-purpose visa, exemption from FRRO registration, parity with NRIs in financial, economic, and educational fields
- OCI Card Limitations
- Cannot vote, hold constitutional posts, or be employed in public services; cannot buy agricultural or plantation properties
- Eligibility Criteria
- Individuals of Indian origin, their children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren, and spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders
- Application Process
- Online submission through the Official OCI Services website with proof of Indian origin