MY PARENTS AND I ARE INDIANS. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD AN INDIAN PASSPORT AND CURRENTLY HOLD A PASSPORT FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM. I NEED TO REQUEST A MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA FOR FIVE YEARS TO VISIT MY FATHER WHO IS NOW WORKING IN CHENNAI, INDIA. HOW CAN I ACQUIRE THE TYPE OF VISA THAT I NEED HERE IN THE UK, AND HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO PAY?

As an NRI (Non-resident Indian) with both parents of Indian nationality, you do not need to have a multiple entry Indian visa to enter or remain in India.

NRIs who want to visit India must, however, have an OCI card. The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is an immigration status that permits foreign citizens of Indian origin to live and work indefinitely in India. This smart card serves as a life-long multiple entry Indian visa. Applicants must physically apply for the OCI through the Indian Mission/FRRO in their region abroad.

Neither the Government of India nor the Consulate General of India permit dual citizenship; you would, therefore, be required to renounce your Indian citizenship. Since both parents are Indian and you are an Indian passport holder, you are eligible for the OCI scheme (unless you are from Bangladesh or Pakistan). NRIs and PIOs can apply for OCI/PIO cards through the Indian visa application process online.

A fee does apply, and you would be best served by checking with your nearest Indian Consulate Visa Application Center regarding those applicable to you.