Imran Khan citizenship: Which country does the Delhi Belly actor belong to as he is asked to leave India by October 28?

Actor Imran Khan, best known for films such as Delhi Belly and Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, holds US citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. He is not an Indian citizen, despite his Indian roots and long association with Bollywood. The actor has now come into the spotlight after Mumbai Police issued him a notice directing him to leave India by October 28, 2026. The action follows his participation in a protest in Mumbai demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The development has raised questions about Imran's citizenship, his OCI status and the rules governing foreign nationals who participate in political demonstrations in India.

Imran Khan Citizenship: Which country is Imran Khan a citizen of?

Imran Khan was born on January 13, 1983, in Madison, Wisconsin, in the United States. He holds American citizenship and an OCI card, which allows eligible foreign citizens of Indian origin to live and work in India under specified conditions. They do not have all the rights available to Indian citizens. He is nephew of actor Aamir Khan. An OCI card does not make its holder an Indian citizenship.

Why has Imran Khan been asked to leave India?

The notice follows a protest held on October 10 at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan. Demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid concerns raised over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Imran Khan was among those detained by Mumbai Police during the protest. He was subsequently released.


The issue gained further attention after BJP leader Kirit Somaiya complained to the authorities about the actor's participation in the demonstration. The complaint questioned whether his actions were permitted under the rules governing foreign nationals and OCI cardholders. The matter was referred to immigration authorities.

The notice comes amid questions about the restrictions applicable to foreign nationals participating in political demonstrations in India. The allegations and the legal basis for the action should be distinguished from any final determination of the actor's rights or legal options.

What is an OCI card, and does it grant Indian citizenship?

The Overseas Citizen of India scheme was introduced for eligible people of Indian origin who hold foreign citizenship. It provides benefits such as a multiple-entry, lifelong visa to India, subject to applicable rules. However, an OCI card is not dual citizenship. Holders cannot vote in Indian elections or contest them as Indian citizens, and certain activities are subject to restrictions.

In Imran Khan's case, the distinction between American citizenship and OCI status is central to the controversy. The notice has brought his immigration status into focus, but his Indian family background and Bollywood career do not, by themselves, establish Indian citizenship.