As Centre plans to cancel OCI cards: here's what is Overseas Citizenship of India? Know its eligibility, benefits here
people aware of the development told Mint. This move comes in the backdrop of India suspending visa services in its Canadian missions and also directing to cut its diplomatic staff in India.
According to information available on the ministry of external affairs website, a total of 4.06 million OCI registration cards were issued till 31 January, 2022. It further states that, the central government can cancel the OCI registration if “the overseas citizen of India has shown disaffection towards the Constitution of India as by law established," and if “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." The Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) is given to overseas Indians.
It provides long term visa free travel and stay in India and gives the cardholders a host of privileges normally not given to a foreign national. -As per the ministry's statement, a foreign national, - (i) who was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after 26th January, 1950; or (ii) who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26th January, 1950; or (iii) who belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947; or (iv) who is a child or a grandchild or a great grandchild of such a citizen; or (v) who is a minor child of such persons mentioned above; or (vi) who is a minor child and whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India - is eligible for registration as OCI cardholder.
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