In a significant move, India is currently in the process of revoking the registration of over a dozen Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders due to their involvement in pro-Khalistan activities and anti-India propaganda, according to sources familiar with the matter.
This decision comes against the backdrop of India’s suspension of visa services at its Canadian missions and its directive to Canada to reduce its diplomatic staff presence in India.
The diplomatic tension escalated when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada alleged India’s involvement in the killing of Canada-based Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, leading to a deterioration in bilateral relations.
Notably, the cancellation of OCI cards is a rare occurrence. Out of approximately 4.5 million OCI cards issued to date, only around 150 have been revoked after violations of regulations were confirmed based on intelligence and security agency reports.
The Ministry of External Affairs website reports that as of January 31, 2022, a total of 4.06 million OCI registration cards had been issued. The government has the authority to cancel OCI registration in cases where an overseas citizen of India exhibits disaffection towards the Indian Constitution or when it is deemed necessary for the sovereignty, integrity, security, friendly relations with other countries, or the general public interest.
Responding to inquiries about the cancellations, an official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated, “This is not an area we typically address.”
Queries sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs spokesperson remained unanswered at the time of press.
The OCI card, while not granting political rights, effectively functions as a multiple-entry, multi-purpose, lifelong visa for individuals of Indian origin living abroad. OCI cardholders are exempt from registering with the Foreign Regional Registration Office but are restricted from holding public office, participating in Indian elections, or purchasing agricultural land.
This development underscores the ongoing diplomatic strains between India and Canada, resulting in the suspension of trade deal negotiations and a pause in a planned Canadian trade mission to India. However, it is important to note that these issues are unlikely to impact Canadian investments in India.
In addition to the OCI card cancellations, the Ministry of External Affairs recently issued an advisory for Indian nationals and students in Canada, urging them to exercise extreme caution due to growing anti-India activities and politically-sanctioned hate crimes.
As the diplomatic situation between India and Canada remains complex, the cancellation of OCI cards adds a new dimension to the ongoing dispute.
