New Rules for OCI Registration and Cancellation

On 12th August 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a gazette notification introducing stricter provisions for the registration and cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, tightening the legal framework governing their status.

Key Points

New Grounds for Cancellation: An OCI registration or card will be liable for cancellation if the cardholder has been sentenced to imprisonment for a term of two years or more, or has been charge-sheeted for an offence carrying a punishment of seven years or more.
Applicability: The rules apply irrespective of whether the conviction or charge-sheet occurred in India or abroad, provided the offence is recognised under Indian law.
Existing Grounds: OCI registration can also be cancelled if obtained by fraud or misrepresentation, if the cardholder has shown disaffection towards the Constitution of India, or if involved in activities against India’s sovereignty, integrity, security, or friendly relations with other countries.
Additional Provisions: Cancellation can occur if the cardholder, within five years of registration, is sentenced to imprisonment of not less than two years, or has engaged in prohibited trade or communication with an enemy during wartime.
Scheme Background: The OCI scheme, introduced in 2005, grants lifelong visa-free travel to India for eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin, provided they were citizens of India on or after January 26, 1950.
Eligibility Restrictions: OCI status is not available to current or former citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh, or their children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren.