The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced tighter rules governing Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) registrations, empowering authorities to cancel OCI status for those convicted of serious criminal offences. The new notification, issued on August 12, 2025, will apply to OCI cardholders sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more, or those charge-sheeted for offences punishable with seven years or above.
The OCI scheme, launched in August 2005, grants Indian-origin foreign nationals multiple-entry, lifelong visas to visit India without the need for a separate visa. While OCI holders enjoy certain economic and educational privileges, they do not have political rights such as voting or holding constitutional posts.
The MHA’s notification invokes the powers under clause (da) of Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955, stating, “An Overseas Citizen of India registration shall be liable to be cancelled when a person has been sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years or has been charge-sheeted for an offence entailing punishment of imprisonment for seven years or more.”
Officials clarified that this provision is applicable regardless of whether the conviction occurred in India or abroad, provided the offence is recognised under Indian law. The move comes amid increased scrutiny of OCI cardholders following reports of involvement in criminal or anti-national activities.
“The tightening of the legal framework aims to uphold the integrity of the OCI scheme and ensure it is not misused by individuals involved in serious crimes,” a ministry official told ANI.
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