नवीनतम
Government tightens rules governing Overseas Citizens of India
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has tightened norms governing Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). The ministry said that OCI registration will be cancelled if an individual is sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more, or is charge-sheeted for an offence punishable with imprisonment of seven years or more.
According to the correspondent reports, the OCI cards offer multiple-entry, multi-purpose lifelong visas to persons of Indian origin and their spouses, along with certain economic and educational rights.
The provision applies irrespective of whether the conviction occurred in India or abroad, provided the offence is recognised under Indian law.
The move is aimed at tightening the legal framework governing OCI status, which grants certain rights and privileges to foreign citizens of Indian origin.
The notification by Home Ministry comes under the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Citizenship Rules, 2009, which empower the central government to cancel OCI registration under specified conditions.
In recent years, the MHA has taken steps to more closely regulate the OCI scheme after instances where OCI cardholders were found to be involved in criminal or anti-national activities.
The government maintains that the facility is a privilege, not an entitlement, and may be withdrawn if the holder is found violating Indian laws.
The latest notification will serve as a deterrent to misuse and will help in maintaining the integrity of the OCI scheme.
