 "India tightens OCI rules to block entry of those charged or convicted for crime. Image: News18")
The Union Home Ministry has tightened rules for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), allowing cancellation of their registration if they are convicted of serious crimes.
Under the new provisions, OCI status can be revoked if the person is sentenced to at least two years in prison or charge-sheeted for an offence punishable with seven years or more in jail. This applies even if the conviction took place abroad, provided the offence is recognised under Indian law.
An OCI card lets Indian-origin foreign nationals visit India without a visa and offers multiple-entry, lifelong travel privileges, along with certain economic and educational benefits. However, it does not grant voting rights or eligibility for constitutional posts.
The Home Ministry issued the notification on Tuesday, citing powers under the Citizenship Act, 1955. Officials told ANI the move aims to tighten the legal framework governing OCI status after cases emerged of cardholders engaging in criminal or anti-national activities.
Introduced in August 2005, the OCI scheme is open to persons of Indian origin who were citizens of India on or after January 26, 1950, or were eligible to become citizens then, except those from Pakistan, Bangladesh, or other countries notified by the Centre.