India Tightens OCI Rules, Criminals Risk Cancellation

NEW DELHI- In a significant tightening of norms governing Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a fresh gazette notification stating that OCI registration will be liable for cancellation if the cardholder is convicted of a serious criminal offence or formally charge sheeted in cases involving grave charges.

The notification specifies two key grounds for cancellation: An OCI cardholder’s registration can be cancelled if they are sentenced to imprisonment for a term of two years or more, or if they are charge-sheeted for an offence that carries a punishment of seven years or more.

The OCI scheme, which was launched in August 2005, allows foreign nationals of Indian origin to travel to India without a visa. It provides long-term residency and multiple-entry benefits. The scheme is available to individuals who were citizens of India on or after January 26, 1950, or were eligible to become citizens on that date.

However, the scheme excludes individuals who are, or have been, citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other country specified by the government in the official gazette.

The move is expected to impact OCI holders involved in serious criminal proceedings, including financial fraud, organized crime, and other offences under Indian penal laws.

The latest notification marks a shift toward stricter scrutiny of OCI holders, aligning the privileges of the card with a higher standard of legal and moral conduct.

Legal experts have noted that while conviction has long been a ground for cancellation, the inclusion of charge-sheeting, prior to a judicial determination, may raise concerns about due process and potential misuse. (IANS)