India just made its Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card rules stricter, impacting Indian-origin foreign nationals who can currently visit the country without a visa. 

In a gazette notification, the Ministry of Home Affairs said OCI registration can now be cancelled if the cardholder is convicted of a serious criminal offence or formally charge-sheeted in cases involving grave charges.

The revised rules outline two specific grounds for cancellation — if an OCI cardholder is sentenced to jail for two years or more, and if they are charge-sheeted for an offence punishable by at least seven years in prison.

Why central government made this change?

Quoting Home Ministry officials, ANI reported that the move is aimed at tightening the legal framework for 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,” a ministry official explained. The notification reflects a shift toward greater scrutiny of OCI holders, linking their privileges to a higher standard of legal and moral conduct.

What OCI scheme offers

Launched in August 2005, the OCI scheme allows foreign nationals of Indian origin to travel to India without a visa, offering long-term residency and multiple-entry benefits. It applies to individuals who were citizens of India on or after January 26, 1950, or were eligible to become citizens on that date.

However, it does not cover those who are, or have been, citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other country the government specifies in the official gazette.