Question:

Legally, Alien is a person who is

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In law, the word "Alien" does not mean an extraterrestrial creature!
It simply means "Foreigner".
If a person is within a country's boundaries but does not hold its citizenship, they are legally an alien.
Updated On: Jun 30, 2026
  • not an Indian citizen but lives in India
  • an Indian citizen but lives in abroad
  • a foreigner visiting India on tourist visa
  • an Indian visiting foreign countries very often
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question is based on Citizenship Law and Legal Terminology.
We need to find the correct legal definition of an "Alien" under the Indian legal system.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• In legal terminology, people residing in a country are categorized into two primary classes: Citizens and Aliens.

• A Citizen owes allegiance to the state and enjoys all civil and political rights.

• An Alien is a foreign-born person who is not a citizen or national of the host country but is currently residing or present within its territory.
- Aliens are further classified into "friendly aliens" (citizens of countries with which India has cordial relations) and "enemy aliens" (citizens of countries at war with India).

• Let us evaluate the options:
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Option (A): "not an Indian citizen but lives in India" - This is the complete and correct general definition of an alien.
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Option (B): "an Indian citizen but lives in abroad" - This refers to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). They remain Indian citizens and are not aliens.
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Option (C): "a foreigner visiting India on tourist visa" - While they are technically aliens, they are temporary visitors rather than residents, making Option (A) the more comprehensive and legally standard definition of an alien in residence.
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Option (D): "an Indian visiting foreign countries..." - These are regular traveling citizens.


Step 3: Final Answer:
An alien is legally defined as a person who is not an Indian citizen but lives in India, which corresponds to Option (A).
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