The Union Home Ministry has made it easier to cancel registration of Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) for those convicted of serious crimes. The changes will apply to those sentenced to 2 years or more in jail or charge-sheeted for 7 years or more in an offence.
Notification Under Citizenship Act
OCI scheme allows Indian origin foreign nationals to visit India without a visa. MHA issued the notification on Tuesday.
“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 states.
MHA officials told ANI that the move is to tighten the legal framework of OCI status which grants certain rights and privileges to foreign citizens of Indian origin. “The provision applies whether the conviction is in India or abroad, provided the offence is recognized under Indian law,” the notification said.
Steps to Protect the Integrity of OCI Scheme
In recent years MHA has been monitoring the OCI scheme closely after instances of cardholders were found involved in criminal or anti-national activities. Officials say the new notification will act as a deterrent and will protect the integrity of the scheme.
OCI cards offer multiple entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa to persons of Indian origin and their spouses along with certain economic and educational rights. However they do not entitle the holders to vote or other political privileges like holding constitutional posts.
Background of OCI Scheme
The scheme was introduced in August 2005 to register all persons of Indian origin who were citizens of India on January 26, 1950 or were eligible to become citizens on that date. However it excludes those who are or have been citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh or any other country specified by the central government in the official gazette.