India Tightens OCI Rules: Criminal Charges Could Lead to Cancellation
New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued new regulations allowing cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registrations for individuals facing serious criminal charges or convictions.
According to a gazette notification issued Tuesday, OCI status will be revoked if the cardholder is sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more, or if charge-sheeted for an offence carrying a potential sentence of seven years or longer. The provision applies regardless of whether the conviction or charges occurred in India or abroad, provided the offence is recognised under Indian law.
Existing provisions also permit cancellation if the OCI status was obtained fraudulently, if the individual shows disaffection towards the Constitution, engages in activities harmful to India’s sovereignty or security, or is involved in enemy trade during wartime.
Introduced in 2005, the OCI scheme grants visa-free travel and multiple-entry benefits to foreign nationals of Indian origin, except for those with ties to Pakistan or Bangladesh.
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