Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the notification under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
Key Highlights of the Notification
- OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) registration can be revoked if –
- an individual is sentenced to at least two years in prison; or
- if a charge sheet is filed against them for an offense carrying a sentence of seven or more years of imprisonment.
About OCI Cards
- Introduced in 2005 through an amendment in the Citizenship Act, 1955.
- In 2015, Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card scheme was merged with OCI, and all PIO cardholders were deemed to be OCI cardholders.
- OCI is not to be misconstrued as 'dual citizenship'. It does not confer political rights.
- Ground for cancellation of OCI registration: Registration obtained by fraud; OCI shows disaffection towards the Constitution of India; it is necessary so to do in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of India, friendly relations of India with any foreign country, or in the interests of the general public; etc.
- Benefits for OCI Cardholders
- Multiple entries, multipurpose, life-long visa for visiting India, exempted from registration with Foreign Regional Registration Officer or Foreign Registration Officer for any length of stay in India.
- Entitled to general 'parity with Non-Resident Indians in respect of all facilities available to them in economic, financial and educational fields except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties'.
Eligibility for Registration as OCI
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