The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a new circular on March 4, introducing stringent restrictions on the activities of Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders in India. The bulletin clarifies that OCI cardholders who hold passports from foreign countries will not have the same rights as Indian citizens. Previously, OCI cardholders were granted rights similar to those of Indian citizens.
This decision is being viewed as a significant setback for OCI cardholders and the Indian diaspora. However, a spokesperson from the Consulate General of India in San Francisco clarified that the bulletin is merely an interpretation of existing laws implemented in 2005, 2007, and 2009. As per these laws, OCI cardholders must obtain special permission from the Indian government to engage in activities such as missionary work, journalism, or mountaineering within the country.
Additionally, OCI cardholders will require government authorization to visit regions classified as restricted areas by the central government. These include the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh, parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and states like Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Nagaland. Specific areas in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand also fall under restricted zones.
Further, the new regulations impose strict limitations on OCI cardholders adopting children from abroad. Those wishing to pursue higher education in India must adhere to the updated guidelines. OCI cardholders residing in India are also required to notify the Foreign Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) via email whenever they change their address or job.
Despite these restrictions, the government has introduced some benefits for OCI cardholders. Entry fees for national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, national monuments, historical sites, and museums, as well as domestic airfare, will now be on par with those charged to Indian citizens. However, OCI cardholders must seek approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) if they wish to purchase property in India. The prohibition on purchasing agricultural land remains in effect.
