New OCI Rules: Registration Of Convicted Persons Can Be Cancelled, Says MHA

Last Updated:August 12, 2025, 23:25 IST

The new move can apply to OCI card holders sentenced to a jail term of two years or more, or chargesheeted for an offence punishable with imprisonment of seven years or more

The card registered under the OCI scheme allows Indian-origin foreign nationals to visit India without any visa. (Image for representation)

The Union home ministry has tightened rules for overseas citizens of India, stating that the registration of those convicted of serious crimes can be cancelled.

This will apply to those sentenced to a jail term of two years or more, or chargesheeted for an offence punishable with imprisonment of seven years or more.

The card registered under the overseas citizens of India (OCI) scheme allows Indian-origin foreign nationals to visit India without any visa. The ministry of home affairs (MHA) issued a notification for the new move on Tuesday. 

“In exercise of the powers conferred by the clause (da) of section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955), the Central Government hereby states that an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration shall be liable to get cancelled when a person has been sentenced to imprisonment for term of not less than two years or has been charge-sheeted for an offence entailing punishment of imprisonment for seven years or more," the notification states.

Ministry officials told news agency ANI that 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 provision applies irrespective of whether the conviction occurred in India or abroad, provided the offence is recognised under Indian law," the notification said.

In recent years, the MHA has taken steps to closely regulate the OCI scheme after instances where card holders were found to be involved in criminal or anti-national activities.

WHAT IS AN OCI CARD?

The OCI cards offer multiple-entry, multipurpose lifelong visas to persons of Indian origin and their spouses, along with certain economic and educational rights. They, however, do not entitle voting rights or other political rights such as holding constitutional posts.

The scheme was introduced in August 2005. It provides for registration as OCI of all persons of Indian origin who were citizens of India on January 26, 1950 or thereafter or were eligible to become citizens of India on January 26, 1950 except who is or has been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the Centre may by notification in the official gazette specify.

(With agency inputs)

News Desk

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

Read More

Location :

First Published:

August 12, 2025, 23:25 IST

News india New OCI Rules: Registration Of Convicted Persons Can Be Cancelled, Says MHA

Read More