Grave charges may cost OCI status: Govt

The government has announced that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders could lose their status if convicted of serious crimes or facing grave charges.

A Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notification states that OCI registration will be cancelled if the holder is sentenced to at least two years in prison or named in a chargesheet for an offence punishable by seven years or more.

The government can also revoke OCI status for actions showing "disaffection towards the Constitution" or engaging with an enemy during wartime.

Eligibility for OCI status extends to foreign nationals of Indian origin who were Indian citizens after January 26, 1950, or eligible to be citizens then, barring those from Pakistan, Bangladesh or other specified nations. The move reinforces stricter compliance for OCI cardholders with Indian laws.

According to a gazette notification issued in March 2021, an OCI cardholder is entitled to benefits, including the grant of a multiple-entry lifelong visa that would allow them to visit India for any purpose, without having to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer for the entire period of their stay in the country. Additionally, among other privileges, an OCI cardholder is entitled to purchase or sell immovable property, excluding agricultural land, house or plantation property.