The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has made it stricter for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) with registration liable for cancellation if the cardholder is sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more, or is charge-sheeted for an offence punishable with a jail term of seven years or more.
New Rules Under Citizenship Act
MHA issued a notification on August 11 invoking powers under clause (da) of section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by the 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 get cancelled when a person has been sentenced to imprisonment for term of not less than two years or has been charge-sheeted for an offence entailing punishment of imprisonment for seven years or more,” the notification says.
MHA officials told ANI that the move is to tighten the legal framework of OCI status which gives certain rights and privileges to foreign citizens of Indian origin. “The provision applies whether the conviction is in India or abroad, if the offence is recognised under Indian law.”
Move to Safeguard OCI Integrity
The changes are under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and Citizenship Rules, 2009 which gives the central government the power to cancel OCI registration in specified cases.
In recent years MHA has increased vigilance on OCI scheme after instances where cardholders were found involved in criminal or anti-national activities. OCI card gives multiple entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa to persons of Indian origin and their spouses along with certain economic and educational benefits.
However OCI cardholders are barred from political rights like voting or holding constitutional positions. Government says OCI is a privilege not an entitlement and can be withdrawn if Indian laws are violated. Officials say the latest notification will act as a deterrent and help in safeguarding the integrity of the scheme.