Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) Scheme

Source: HT

Context: MHA has amended Citizenship Act rules to allow cancellation of OCI registration if the cardholder is convicted for two years or more, or charge-sheeted for offences punishable with seven years or more, regardless of where the offence occurred.

About Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) Scheme:

• What it is? A legal status allowing foreign nationals of Indian origin to live, work, and travel in India without repeatedly applying for a visa.

• A legal status allowing foreign nationals of Indian origin to live, work, and travel in India without repeatedly applying for a visa.

• Launched in: 2005

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

• Strengthen engagement between India and its diaspora. Provide long-term residency and travel benefits to persons of Indian origin.

• Strengthen engagement between India and its diaspora.

• Provide long-term residency and travel benefits to persons of Indian origin.

• Key Features:

• Eligibility: Persons who were citizens of India on or after 26 January 1950, or their descendants (excluding those with Pakistani/Bangladeshi citizenship in self or ancestry). Visa Benefits: Lifelong, multiple-entry, multi-purpose visa for visiting India. Economic & Educational Rights: Right to own property (except agricultural/plantation land), pursue education, and invest in India. No Political Rights: Not entitled to vote or hold constitutional posts.

• Eligibility: Persons who were citizens of India on or after 26 January 1950, or their descendants (excluding those with Pakistani/Bangladeshi citizenship in self or ancestry).

• Visa Benefits: Lifelong, multiple-entry, multi-purpose visa for visiting India.

• Economic & Educational Rights: Right to own property (except agricultural/plantation land), pursue education, and invest in India.

• No Political Rights: Not entitled to vote or hold constitutional posts.

About New Rules under MHA Notification:

• Grounds for Cancellation of OCI Registration (as per clause (da) of Section 7D, Citizenship Act, 1955):

• Conviction-Based: Sentenced to imprisonment of two years or more. Charge-Sheet Based: Charge-sheeted for offences punishable with seven years or more. Irrespective of Jurisdiction: Applicable whether conviction/charge-sheet is in India or abroad, provided offence is recognised under Indian law. Other Existing Grounds (already under law): Fraud or concealment in obtaining OCI. Disaffection towards the Constitution. Unlawful trade/communication with the enemy during war. Acts against sovereignty, integrity, security of India, friendly foreign relations, or public interest.

• Conviction-Based: Sentenced to imprisonment of two years or more.

• Charge-Sheet Based: Charge-sheeted for offences punishable with seven years or more.

• Irrespective of Jurisdiction: Applicable whether conviction/charge-sheet is in India or abroad, provided offence is recognised under Indian law.

• Other Existing Grounds (already under law): Fraud or concealment in obtaining OCI. Disaffection towards the Constitution. Unlawful trade/communication with the enemy during war. Acts against sovereignty, integrity, security of India, friendly foreign relations, or public interest.

• Fraud or concealment in obtaining OCI.

• Disaffection towards the Constitution.

• Unlawful trade/communication with the enemy during war.

• Acts against sovereignty, integrity, security of India, friendly foreign relations, or public interest.