India has formally tightened norms for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders through a recent notification under the Citizenship Act. Now, an OCI card may be cancelled if the holder :
- Is sentenced to a prison term of two years or more, or
- Is formally charge-sheeted for an offense that carries punishment of seven years or more.
Issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs under clause (da) of Section 7D of the 1955 Citizenship Act, this represents a crackdown aimed at preventing individuals convicted or facing serious criminal charges from continuing to enjoy the benefits of OCI status.
Previously, OCI cards often described as a form of permanent residency afforded holders multiple-entry, lifelong visa access to India and varied economic and educational privileges (though not full citizenship).
These new regulations signal a sharper focus on national security and accountability, firmly linking OCI privileges to legal conduct abroad and at home.
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