New OCI Rules: Registration of Convicted Persons Can Be Cancelled, Says MHA
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has introduced stricter rules for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), allowing cancellation of registration for those convicted of serious offences.
Under the new provisions, the registration of OCI cardholders sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more, or chargesheeted for offences punishable with a jail term of seven years or above, can be revoked.
OCI cards enable foreign nationals of Indian origin to travel to India without a visa. Issued on Tuesday, the MHA notification states:
“In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (da) of section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955), the Central Government hereby states that an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration shall be liable to be cancelled when a person has been sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years or has been charge-sheeted for an offence entailing punishment of imprisonment for seven years or more.”
Officials told news agency ANI that the measure is aimed at tightening the legal framework regulating OCI status, which grants specific privileges to people of Indian origin holding foreign citizenship. The provision will apply regardless of whether the conviction occurred in India or abroad, as long as the offence is recognised under Indian law.
In recent years, the MHA has increased scrutiny of the OCI scheme after certain cardholders were found involved in criminal or anti-national activities.
What is an OCI Card?
OCI cards offer multiple-entry, multi-purpose lifelong visas to persons of Indian origin and their spouses, along with some economic and educational rights. However, they do not provide political rights such as voting or holding constitutional positions.
The scheme was launched in August 2005 to register persons of Indian origin who were citizens of India on or after January 26, 1950, or were eligible to become citizens on that date. It excludes anyone who is, or has been, a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other country specified by the Government of India through official notification.
