On 11-8-2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued notification regarding cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Registration if a person has been sentenced to imprisonment or has been charge- sheeted.
Conditions for Cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India:
- Person has been sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than 2 years; or
- Person has been charge- sheeted for an offence entailing punishment of imprisonment for 7 years or more.
All you need to know about Overseas Citizen of India Scheme:
- It was introduced in August 2005 through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955.
- It provides for registration as Overseas Citizen of India of all Persons of Indian Origin who were citizens of India on 26th January, 1950 or were eligible to become citizens of India on 26th January, 1950.Exception: Citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
-
Benefits of Registered OCI cardholders:
- Multiple entry lifelong visa for visiting India for any purpose (research, internship, visit, etc) where the card holder will be required to obtain a special permission or a Special Permit from the competent authority or Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or the Indian Mission concerned.
- Will be exempted to get registered with Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or Foreigners Regional Registration for any length of stay in India.
- Parity with Indian nationals in matter of tariffs in air fares in domestic sectors and entry fees which is charged for visiting National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, monuments, historical sites and museums in India.
- Parity with Non- resident Indians in matter of- adoption, appearing in entrance tests, purchase or sale of immovable properties other than agricultural land or farm house or plantation property, pursuing professions such as doctors, advocates, architects, chartered accountants.