India Pilot Recruitment:Overseas Indian Citizen
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Singapore
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
India Pilot Recruitment:Overseas Indian Citizen
Can anybody tell me if an individual with Overseas Indian Citizen (OIC) status, an Indian born that is now a foreign passport holder, would be regarded as a Citizen for the purposes of licensing and pilot employment.
Technically, an OIC status holder who has applied for and received the status is allowed to work and live in India indefinitely and be entitled to almost everything except the right to vote. The OIC is such a brand new status that very few have even heard of it...
Sure would appreciate any information or elaboration... thank you.
Technically, an OIC status holder who has applied for and received the status is allowed to work and live in India indefinitely and be entitled to almost everything except the right to vote. The OIC is such a brand new status that very few have even heard of it...
Sure would appreciate any information or elaboration... thank you.
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Currently India (Home is KATL, USA)
Age: 62
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Your pay package will be significantly higher if you go as an expat, rather than as a local. The OCI is not "dual citizenship." It is similar to the "green card" in the USA, giving you certain privileges based on Indian heritage. Besides as long as you go as an expat, you don't need to convert your licenses. The only advantage to going the "local" route if you hold a foreign passport is if you are low time or don't have the PIC time the airline is seeking. India does not hire expat F/O's, the last I heard.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Getting others to the FL now
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Your pay package will be significantly higher if you go as an expat, rather than as a local. The OCI is not "dual citizenship." It is similar to the "green card" in the USA, giving you certain privileges based on Indian heritage. Besides as long as you go as an expat, you don't need to convert your licenses. The only advantage to going the "local" route if you hold a foreign passport is if you are low time or don't have the PIC time the airline is seeking. India does not hire expat F/O's, the last I heard.
Firstly, if I may bring your attention to a press release issued by the Press Info Bureau of India, dated 02-12-2005. It states: "....Based on Indian Diaspora, the Govt of India decided to grant Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) more commonly known as Dual Citizenship. This Dual Citizenship is granted as long as their home countires allow dual citizenship in any form under their local laws."
You also state that expats do not need to convert their licences. This is also not strictly true, as anyone without an Indian licence will have to conform to an Indian examination in some form. It all depends on what licence you hold. Eg. If you hold an FAA CPL, you will need to do the conversion exams, along with a small seres of flight tests. Unless you are endorsed with the requisite TR on your licence and approx 500 hrs on type, you are doing the DGCA Exams.
Hope this helps
HPC
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Planet Earth
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Your pay package will be significantly higher if you go as an expat, rather than as a local. The OCI is not "dual citizenship." It is similar to the "green card" in the USA, giving you certain privileges based on Indian heritage. Besides as long as you go as an expat, you don't need to convert your licenses. The only advantage to going the "local" route if you hold a foreign passport is if you are low time or don't have the PIC time the airline is seeking. India does not hire expat F/O's, the last I heard.
The ad was placed in early Aug 2006 and the closing date is Feb 2007, I believe. Check it out. Have to admit, it does sound a bit vague.
Looks like times are changing!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Singapore
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I really appreciate the excellent information above from all. I am not current, furloughed after 9-11, and have been non-aviation employment in Singapore ever since.
I am just not a happy person unless I can go and fly for a living again. That is why I asked. Thank you.
I am just not a happy person unless I can go and fly for a living again. That is why I asked. Thank you.
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Planet Earth
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not sure that it will help, but I have had a number of set backs in my career (multiple layoffs and only one company I have previously worked for still exists!) and still managed to defy the odds.
About 10 years ago, I managed to get a flying position even though I had not flown for 4 YEARS!! It all depends on timing, determination and networking and of course, being in the right place at the right time.
It IS possible to overcome all these adversities but it does on a large extent depend on you and your support team ie. family and friends.
Iunderstand that Air India and others may be hiring pilots - including ex-pats within the next few months. Almost certainly you will require some experience and probably currency. That's life. They will always prefer to go with those who are typed and current. When they have exhausted that supply, then, they may consider others.
You may have a chance but be prepared to answer why you have not been flying for the past x years. Sometimes this is seen (by them) as a sign of dedication, sometimes not. If you have not flown for a considerable time, you have to be able to answer the question "why should we hire you when we have lots of other current candiadtes?"
Goodluck!
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Unfortunately, you cannot. I am probably in a similiar situation as you and I've spoken and emailed Capt. Mohan (chief pilot) at Jet Airways. He'd love to hire me, but no Indian passport, no job.
If I want a job, I need a type in the plane they want to hire me in, and 500hrs in type. Now of course, if I had 500hrs in a 737, etc., I wouldn't need to go to India
I check the DGCA web site once a month to see when they'll allow expats of Indian origin to fly as FOs. It would be a great thing and eventually, they'll need to do it as there just won't be enough locals to fill FO seats.
Vik
If I want a job, I need a type in the plane they want to hire me in, and 500hrs in type. Now of course, if I had 500hrs in a 737, etc., I wouldn't need to go to India
I check the DGCA web site once a month to see when they'll allow expats of Indian origin to fly as FOs. It would be a great thing and eventually, they'll need to do it as there just won't be enough locals to fill FO seats.
Vik
Can anybody tell me if an individual with Overseas Indian Citizen (OIC) status, an Indian born that is now a foreign passport holder, would be regarded as a Citizen for the purposes of licensing and pilot employment.
Technically, an OIC status holder who has applied for and received the status is allowed to work and live in India indefinitely and be entitled to almost everything except the right to vote. The OIC is such a brand new status that very few have even heard of it...
Sure would appreciate any information or elaboration... thank you.
Technically, an OIC status holder who has applied for and received the status is allowed to work and live in India indefinitely and be entitled to almost everything except the right to vote. The OIC is such a brand new status that very few have even heard of it...
Sure would appreciate any information or elaboration... thank you.
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Airport
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
VIK,
I do not agree with you. A friend of mine who hold OCI card and also an US passport is currently working for Air Deccan flying A320.
The OCI card gives you all the rights that an Indian has except the right to vote and the right to buy agricultural land. So yes you can work on OCI card in India.
I agree with Nevrekar, if you are a holder of an ICAO ATPL and have more than 500 hours PIC time you do not need to convert your license. All you would have to do is appear for an interview with DGCA officials. They will ask you a few questions on the aircraft, regulations and company Ops Manual. That is it and than you will be granted permission to fly in Indian airspace.
Most company have started hiring through agencies, that way they are not liable for your taxes. (expats).
The Indian DGCA has given permission for expat first officers for ATRs. All the companies are still trying to get permission to fly other aircrafts with expat F/Os. However, the same rule applies, the expat F/O must have 500 hours on type before he/she is allowed to work in India.
Hope this helps.
I do not agree with you. A friend of mine who hold OCI card and also an US passport is currently working for Air Deccan flying A320.
The OCI card gives you all the rights that an Indian has except the right to vote and the right to buy agricultural land. So yes you can work on OCI card in India.
I agree with Nevrekar, if you are a holder of an ICAO ATPL and have more than 500 hours PIC time you do not need to convert your license. All you would have to do is appear for an interview with DGCA officials. They will ask you a few questions on the aircraft, regulations and company Ops Manual. That is it and than you will be granted permission to fly in Indian airspace.
Most company have started hiring through agencies, that way they are not liable for your taxes. (expats).
The Indian DGCA has given permission for expat first officers for ATRs. All the companies are still trying to get permission to fly other aircrafts with expat F/Os. However, the same rule applies, the expat F/O must have 500 hours on type before he/she is allowed to work in India.
Hope this helps.
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Planet Earth
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with Mayday.
India, like China before it, is currently delving into uncharted territory vis a vis to the hiring of pilots including ex-pats. When you simply do not have the resources to match your growth, you have to look outside the box and sometimes that involves governments as well.
All you have to do is to look at the agencies websites like Rishworth to see the Indian advertising.
Apparently they will be looking for large numbers of ex-pats to tide them over during the rapid growth period. In order to get these qualified people (with type ratings and hours on type, sometimes several types!), they have to give incentives in terms of pay and other benefits. Yes, it's contract work and there is always a down side (what job does not have a downside?). But keep in mind, these foreign pilots will be making big sacrifices to their lives in order to help the Indian economy and airline business in partcular. It's a kind of win-win situation.
While I can appreciate that locals may not like the idea, what other choice do they have if they cannot meet the need of the rapidly growing industry? I have been around long enough, flown international extensively (including Indian airspace and airports) and have been involved in contract work for almost 3 years. What normally happens depends on your previous background and experience. Certainly the agencies and contracts I have been looking at will provide an Indian validation to your own licence. However, keeping your national licence (whatever state/country you were licenced in) and medical will be YOUR responsibility. You really need to read the small print on these and it's there for all to read, just pull up the websites and they'll tell you the basic requirements. Then, if you at least meet those, they will send further details including a DGCA questionnaire.
In my particular case, I am looking at two different Indian contracts. I applied because of the ad that was sent to me and the aircraft which these companies either had or planned to have. Having an FAA ATP with 4 Boeing type ratings, time on all four, all original training done in the UK (including now defunct UK CAA ATPL) plus another EU licence, I have been through the validation process a number of times in the past decade. You just have to jump through the hoops and if there is a need, they will make it work.
Globalization has this effect - what goes around, comes around. And with no disrespect to any Indians reading this, there have been plenty of US and EU job outsourcing to places like Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi and Dacca to name a few. You can hardly complain when the tables turn and you get a taste of the same medicine.
In the long run, this will help everyone - even the low timers as there will be plenty of opportunities. As you all know, in this business you have to pay your dues and for international, wide body flying, you definitely need the experience.
In conclusion, I don't think it matters too much if you are of Indian descent or not. If anything, it may help get your foot in the door. More important is your qualifications, experience and how fast you can successfully meet the airlines' needs to finish up line (IOE) training and start being productive. My advise would be, if you meet the basic requirements, apply and worry about nationality or other issues later. You have nothing to lose.
Good luck to all!
India, like China before it, is currently delving into uncharted territory vis a vis to the hiring of pilots including ex-pats. When you simply do not have the resources to match your growth, you have to look outside the box and sometimes that involves governments as well.
All you have to do is to look at the agencies websites like Rishworth to see the Indian advertising.
Apparently they will be looking for large numbers of ex-pats to tide them over during the rapid growth period. In order to get these qualified people (with type ratings and hours on type, sometimes several types!), they have to give incentives in terms of pay and other benefits. Yes, it's contract work and there is always a down side (what job does not have a downside?). But keep in mind, these foreign pilots will be making big sacrifices to their lives in order to help the Indian economy and airline business in partcular. It's a kind of win-win situation.
While I can appreciate that locals may not like the idea, what other choice do they have if they cannot meet the need of the rapidly growing industry? I have been around long enough, flown international extensively (including Indian airspace and airports) and have been involved in contract work for almost 3 years. What normally happens depends on your previous background and experience. Certainly the agencies and contracts I have been looking at will provide an Indian validation to your own licence. However, keeping your national licence (whatever state/country you were licenced in) and medical will be YOUR responsibility. You really need to read the small print on these and it's there for all to read, just pull up the websites and they'll tell you the basic requirements. Then, if you at least meet those, they will send further details including a DGCA questionnaire.
In my particular case, I am looking at two different Indian contracts. I applied because of the ad that was sent to me and the aircraft which these companies either had or planned to have. Having an FAA ATP with 4 Boeing type ratings, time on all four, all original training done in the UK (including now defunct UK CAA ATPL) plus another EU licence, I have been through the validation process a number of times in the past decade. You just have to jump through the hoops and if there is a need, they will make it work.
Globalization has this effect - what goes around, comes around. And with no disrespect to any Indians reading this, there have been plenty of US and EU job outsourcing to places like Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi and Dacca to name a few. You can hardly complain when the tables turn and you get a taste of the same medicine.
In the long run, this will help everyone - even the low timers as there will be plenty of opportunities. As you all know, in this business you have to pay your dues and for international, wide body flying, you definitely need the experience.
In conclusion, I don't think it matters too much if you are of Indian descent or not. If anything, it may help get your foot in the door. More important is your qualifications, experience and how fast you can successfully meet the airlines' needs to finish up line (IOE) training and start being productive. My advise would be, if you meet the basic requirements, apply and worry about nationality or other issues later. You have nothing to lose.
Good luck to all!
The Bumblebee
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Inside the shiny tube.
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In one word- "Nada".
The Indian government is very clear about it, you must have 500 hours on type in order to work as an expat in India. So just having the type rating will not help.
There are a lot of companies that will sell you type rating and time on type, you may want to contact them.
The Indian government is very clear about it, you must have 500 hours on type in order to work as an expat in India. So just having the type rating will not help.
There are a lot of companies that will sell you type rating and time on type, you may want to contact them.
The Bumblebee
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Inside the shiny tube.
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh Glidepath,
Why dont you apply with Pinnacle or Co-EX and other regionals in the US. I heard they are hiring and they have lowered their minimums. You can find more information at www.nwairlink.com
Hope this helps.
Why dont you apply with Pinnacle or Co-EX and other regionals in the US. I heard they are hiring and they have lowered their minimums. You can find more information at www.nwairlink.com
Hope this helps.
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Earth
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm guessing he had a type and/or 500hrs on type prior to getting the job?
I didnt say that you had to hold an Indian passport .. if you have 500hrs on type you can work as an expat.
I didnt say that you had to hold an Indian passport .. if you have 500hrs on type you can work as an expat.
VIK,
I do not agree with you. A friend of mine who hold OCI card and also an US passport is currently working for Air Deccan flying A320.
The OCI card gives you all the rights that an Indian has except the right to vote and the right to buy agricultural land. So yes you can work on OCI card in India.
I agree with Nevrekar, if you are a holder of an ICAO ATPL and have more than 500 hours PIC time you do not need to convert your license. All you would have to do is appear for an interview with DGCA officials. They will ask you a few questions on the aircraft, regulations and company Ops Manual. That is it and than you will be granted permission to fly in Indian airspace.
Most company have started hiring through agencies, that way they are not liable for your taxes. (expats).
The Indian DGCA has given permission for expat first officers for ATRs. All the companies are still trying to get permission to fly other aircrafts with expat F/Os. However, the same rule applies, the expat F/O must have 500 hours on type before he/she is allowed to work in India.
Hope this helps.
I do not agree with you. A friend of mine who hold OCI card and also an US passport is currently working for Air Deccan flying A320.
The OCI card gives you all the rights that an Indian has except the right to vote and the right to buy agricultural land. So yes you can work on OCI card in India.
I agree with Nevrekar, if you are a holder of an ICAO ATPL and have more than 500 hours PIC time you do not need to convert your license. All you would have to do is appear for an interview with DGCA officials. They will ask you a few questions on the aircraft, regulations and company Ops Manual. That is it and than you will be granted permission to fly in Indian airspace.
Most company have started hiring through agencies, that way they are not liable for your taxes. (expats).
The Indian DGCA has given permission for expat first officers for ATRs. All the companies are still trying to get permission to fly other aircrafts with expat F/Os. However, the same rule applies, the expat F/O must have 500 hours on type before he/she is allowed to work in India.
Hope this helps.
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
