NRIs Express Concerns About Restrictions To OCI Card Holders

Featured & Cover  India’s New Regulations Impose Strict Restrictions on OCI Cardholders

Non-Resident Indians from across the globe expressed concerns regarding India’s regulations for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders with stricter controls on activities and reclassify them as foreign nationals, as outlined in a bulletin from India’s Home Ministry. These changes impact travel, business, religious activities, and more for the Indian diaspora.

OCI cardholders, who were previously afforded many privileges similar to Indian citizens, must now obtain permits for various activities and travel to certain parts of India, including restricted areas like portions of Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of other northeastern states. This shift marks a significant departure from the previously relaxed regulations that allowed OCI cardholders to participate in India’s social and economic activities with relative ease.

“The OCI Cardholder (including a PIO cardholder) is a foreign national holding a passport of a foreign country and is not a citizen of India,” the Home Ministry stated. This clarification designates them as foreign nationals and redefines their legal standing in India. Previously, OCI cardholders were treated similarly to Indian citizens in many respects, but the new policies set them apart.

George Abraham, vice chair of the Indian Overseas Congress, described the situation as disappointing. “This is a setback for OCI cardholders and the Indian diaspora,” he told *India-West*. “We always felt as though we were moving towards dual citizenship, but now the government is saying it will treat us like foreigners.”

The bulletin from the Ministry stressed that OCI cardholders must receive special permission for various activities, including missionary work, journalistic endeavors, and certain religious activities, particularly those related to promoting a Muslim agenda, termed as “Tabligh.” In addition, mountaineering activities and access to restricted areas now require formal government approval.

These restricted areas include the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh, parts of Himachal Pradesh, and sections of Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland, as well as parts of Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. This means that regions with significant geopolitical sensitivities or those requiring special permits for foreigners will be off-limits unless explicit permission is granted.

Additionally, the rules introduced limitations on inter-country adoptions by OCI cardholders and introduce stricter criteria for obtaining higher education in India. OCI cardholders living in India must report any changes in their residential address or occupation to the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or Foreigners Registration Officer by email.

However, the Indian government also offered some minor concessions to OCI cardholders in the bulletin. The cost of entry to national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, historical sites, museums, and national monuments, as well as domestic flight fares, will now be in line with those charged to Indian citizens. Despite this, these concessions are seen by many as superficial in light of the other significant restrictions.

Dr. Thomas Abraham, chairman of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin, expressed concerns about the impact on the business community. “The regulations are burdensome for OCI cardholders wishing to do business in India,” he told *India-West*, noting that OCI businesspeople previously enjoyed near parity with Indian citizens when conducting business. The reclassification of OCI cardholders as foreign nationals subjects them to more bureaucratic processes, including the requirement to obtain various permits and licenses, which could impede business operations.

Furthermore, the regulations add hurdles to the real estate market, a sector that has been fueled by diaspora investment. OCI cardholders, who previously could buy and sell property with relative ease, now need special permission from the Reserve Bank of India for any property transactions. Additionally, foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders, are still prohibited from purchasing agricultural land, a restriction that remains unchanged.

“This sends a negative message. It is not a step forward in reclaiming the Indian diaspora to engage with India’s development,” said George Abraham, highlighting the continued prohibition on agricultural land purchases. He also pointed out the restrictions on religious freedom, especially for minority communities. “If you go to a church while visiting India, you could be accused of doing missionary activity. These are constraints on freedom of religion,” Abraham said, mentioning similar limitations imposed on Muslims.

The rules also affect journalists, raising concerns about press freedom. “If you write an article critical of India, you may never be allowed to return,” said George Abraham. This is particularly concerning given the global attention to India’s political landscape, including recent coverage of large-scale farmer protests. Many international journalists have criticized the Indian government’s handling of the protests, and Abraham noted that the new regulations may be aimed at shielding the government from external scrutiny. “It is a totalitarian move prohibiting the diaspora from expressing their views, This government is not upholding the values of the Indian constitution. It is not consistent with the democracy we are so proud of,” added Abraham.

Business leaders in the Indian American community are also expressed apprehension. The complex bureaucracy involved in obtaining permits for foreign nationals, especially for conducting business, is seen as a deterrent to diaspora engagement. Thomas Abraham highlighted regulations that require foreign nationals to divulge their research findings to the Indian government, which could lead to competitors gaining access to valuable information.

Moreover, the real estate market may face significant challenges due to the new rules. The Indian Supreme Court ruling has determined that anyone not a citizen of India must seek permission from the Reserve Bank of India for any property transactions. This ruling, combined with the new regulations, creates additional barriers for OCI cardholders. “This will create problems for India’s real estate industry,” said Thomas Abraham. “If there are hurdles here, we will just pack up and go elsewhere,” he added, suggesting that diaspora investment in India may decline.

As the regulations come into effect, the Indian government faces a growing backlash from the Indian diaspora, particularly those who have long-standing ties to their homeland. The restrictions imposed on OCI cardholders, reclassifying them as foreign nationals, may significantly impact their ability to engage with India economically, socially, and culturally. The long-term consequences of these regulations remain to be seen, but many in the Indian diaspora feel the government is moving in the wrong direction.

(The above story is an updated story from an earlier version published in 2021, about the restrictions on OCI Card Holders imposed by the Government of India. In addition, the clarifications provided by the Government of India on the above story are also being published by The Universal News Network)

89 thoughts on “NRIs Express Concerns About Restrictions To OCI Card Holders

  1. Article with an agenda. Indian govt is closing loopholes in the OCI that are exploited by foreign machinery and anti-social elements.

    1. Absolutely right. This article seems to have been written by someone who does not like BJP govt. Therefore any good move made by the current govt is discriminatory towards the minorities.

      There are a lot of NGOs, involved in conversion and and anti+India activities and need to be monitored, there is nothing wrong in safe guarding country’s interest.

      1. The policies of BJP are against the people who are helping the country with so much remittance of foreign exchange. Bulk of the foreign exchange is earned by remittance from Indian diaspora. Instead of encouraging the Govt is bringing hurdles. BJP is not pro people but pro BJP RSS with selfish moto.

        1. While there are some miscreants and need to be dealt with legally , rules like this make trouble for a far far greater number of well wishers and contributors to India!

    2. Bet you area sanghi who is not affected bu this change but want to blindly support your leader and unnecessarily make noise like an empty vessel. Just read your comment and place yourself in an oci holders shoe and think if anything what you have written makes sense.

      1. Shame on you so called “Indian Patriot “ , India is not field anyone can till whenever you like it! This is not USA or other European countries, where every one go and land it there.
        India faces many Islamic and Christianity related problems!

        1. This agnostic and toxic mindset of hindutwa and BJP’s supporters will let India to sink one day. India is a multi-cultural and a multi-religion country. This has been centuries when various ethnicities lived together. BJP is following strictly British (East India company) policies to further devitalize the country and dozens suffering from poverty.

        2. Why are u so anti Muslim and Christian. Please do not work or migrate to foreign countriea. India is stinky and full of garbage cattle dung when will India improve

    3. It’s the BJP government with an agenda to establish a totalitarian fascist regime in India. This article lays bare the truths. Shame on Modi, shame on BJP, and shame on all those who support these two.

    4. Well said. It is indeed an article with agenda and some of the things mentioned are also blatantly false. Like needing RBI permission to buy any property. Permission is only needed for special cases. The agenda of the article is unnecessarily antagonising and fear mongering

    5. Yeah right. Closing loophole such that you cannot go to church or a temple as they could be seen as missionary activity. Agree there are loopholes, but this is not how you tackle them. If it is against anti social elements then target them and then alone. Not all OCI card holders. This is not an article with an agenda. This is an article that challenges and raises questions (right to voice and journalism). If there is no questions raised or no “devils advocacy” then it’s equal to pure totalitarian and regime. A healthy government needs people who question each step (to invoke constructive thoughts).

    6. Writer of this article shows that current Indian government closing some loop holes, so so-called terarizm and other anti Bharat activities can be controlled. Defense strategy of government not be reveled to enemy and those wants to hurt Bharat.

    7. That is good and priorities for SALE OF MOTHERLAND ,,, Appreciate efforts to save India from deteriorating Indian culture. Heritage and many more

  2. OCI card holders engaging in tool kit implementation to destabilize the country are the targets of this new restrictions. An ordinary OCI card holder has nothing to worry about since they come to India to visit their relatives and to participate in weddings for pilgrimage. He will not engage in journalism, visiting border areas. One with a sinister agenda will definitely must be worried.

  3. if an OCI card holder is involved in real estate speculation and still can manage to transfer upto 1 million usd , there is an issue .ordinarily upto 250 k is allowed .however if the person books the apartments in bulk and sells it or exits before registration , the details are not easily available for a OCI holder for the govt to check if it is biz income .buying agri land is ruled out for OCI as even locals cannot buy if your income exceeds certain amount in karnataka ,even china is imposing similar conditions on the chinese orgin and foreign passport holders

  4. Very disappointing as Overseas Citizens of India are indeed citizens but living overseas and cannot now be called foreign nationals.All we could not do was to vote and own agri land which we could accept but the current pripisals has far reaching implications for OCI holdwrs.Please relook the issue and afford as our priviledges as OCI card holders.

    1. All OCI holders are citizens of a foreign country and hold a passport of a foreign country. So why do you need extra privileges??!

  5. These are strict regulations not on OCI but only Muslim and Christian and Sikh OCI holders. Instead of spending their energy and efforts on stopping other religion’s propagation, if they work on strengthening their religion in their own people, that might be a little more helpful lolll. What can we do if their people want to convert. Even if they are converting for rice bags or money or women whatever, why don’t they provide all that to them? They have richest people in their religion so what’s stopping them. And more importantly why do they even want to keep such people who will convert for money n ricebags in their religion?? Just let them go. But they will not. Because they know that there are very few non-Sanathani people who accepts Sanathan, very rare. So that’s why they want to lose their born Sanathanis. So they hold on to born Sanathanis by force or threats hhahhaaa

  6. I wholeheartedly agree with most of the measures as it does not affect vast majority of positive activities by OCI. It however gives a clear signal to those indulging in half truths media reports largely funded by interest working against the process of dignified nation building. Thre buzz words like freedom of press are standard weapons used to demean the real motives.

  7. It is unfortunate that a person of the status of Mr Abraham has given a one-sided view on the improvements. Does he not have the minimum courtesy to the majority OCI card holders who feel happy that Indian Government has awakened to the anti- India activity of certain OCI holders who come to India and indulge is anti-social and anti- majority activity with foreign money.
    If Mr Abraham is a true Indian he should have looked at security aspect.

  8. It’s A grand move….High time India takes on this stand.This is for the betterment of ture Indians and to protect the nation. JAI HIND.

  9. Genuine restrictions required to protect sovereignty from interference by foreign powers. Writer Mr. Abraham appears to be biased as usual converts. Everyone should criticize such writers who plays in d hands of anti India forces.

  10. Genuine restrictions required to protect sovereignty from interference by foreign powers. Writer Mr. Abraham appears to be biased as usual converts. Everyone should criticize such writers who plays in d hands of anti India forces.

  11. Horrible policies by Indian government.u cany give jobs to youth due to your corruption n force them to go abroad n have the audacity to call our Indians foreign nationals.u will be cursed

  12. As a matter of fact, the Indian government is doing what is right, by them. Some OCI’s have taken advantage of, and used their status for nefarious activities?

  13. This is very off putting for any Indian want to invest or retire which i will never do that i see these forth coming changes 5 years ago. Economy is fuelled with lots dirty money hijacking real estate prices. i hate boom & bust economy despise economist when they predict outlook without as whole world. End of the day all economies interlink some way. Boffins has failed prime example outsourcing which has mucked whole of eco system disrespect to mother nature.

  14. I welcome new law as it applies to anti-India forces only. Those who love their mother land never does illegal things. There are lot of people sitting in foreign countries trying to do many bad things to India for their personal benefits. Hence this change is good. whatever Modiji do is always good for India in the long term perspectives.

  15. I am an OCI and I believe the suggested improvements are essential in view of the misuse of certain facilities by some groups of OCI card holders. They are essential in the interests of national security. They make almost no difference to me (I live in India).

  16. As an OCI holder, as much as I like less restrictions on me. I also can see why the Indian govt have to be strict especially with the changes happening with the geopolitical situation, rise of multipolarity with help of BRICS. The west is desperate to thwart it. They already stoking distability in China Taiwan issue, they already planted puppets in Bangladesh to eventually bulit a base there. Foreign nationals can be pursuaded to do the dirty work of the west influencing ppl in India to create chaos thru missionary work, business etc. Therefore Im ok with restrictions for now.

  17. I am an OCI card holder. I am perfectly fine with this. Indian government closed some loopholes in the system especially the funneling of funds by individuals associated with Christian missionaries and Tabhligis. I do not a have a problem getting approvals from RBI for all my financial transactions. Good decision.

  18. VERY misleading article by the staff reporter who has no knowledge whatsoever of OCI Rgulations, relying merely on representations made by the Abraham guy who hails from the corrupt opposition lobby; e g., Present Govt continues in the correct direction, closing any loopholes in the prevalent OCI Regulations. This does not mean Regulations are altered but rather emphasised to avoid antinationals exploiting the system. Moreover, OCI is only available to Foreign Nationals of Indian Origin and who are required to surrender their Indian Citizenship simply because India does NOT allow dual nationality… plain and simple.

  19. There never were any so called Loop holes. Only benefit we enjoy is life time visa. OCI rules have always been explicit. Seeking permission from RBI will become tedious and more red tape and encourage corruption.

  20. After reading this article, I feel like OCI holders will be forced to do something that they don’t want.
    Most of us OCI holders raise our Indian flag, sing Indian national anthem,
    Cheer Indian teams in Cricket stadium and for other sports…
    We feel proud to talk about India’s achievements…
    We feel great to talk about our history and culture and customs…
    Having said that,
    I want to say that” tali ek haath se nahin bajti “…
    We should go other side and grant dual citizenship to all Indian origin people…
    I support that Indian Government can impose restrictions on the OCI holders who does not obey the laws and regulations…
    Looking forward to becoming Dual citizenship before I die.

    1. Dual citizenship means all those khalistanis can vote too. Why did you surrender your citizenship to begin with? What’s stopping you for obtaining it back? Use both your hands for taali and wake yourself up. You left, we’re here. Focus on the betterment of the country that accepted you and leave our country’s future for us. ખોટી પટલાઈ નાં કારસો. 10 ટકા અનામત મળી ગઈ હવે મરતાં હો તો મરો.

  21. Very good move by BJP . Foreign nationals including OCI , should be monitored and controlled. The movements must be controlled in sensitive areas.
    I am an OCI and I welcome this restrictions.

  22. As someone who deeply loves and cherishes India, it pains me to see the recent regulations imposed on OCI cardholders. For those of us who have lived abroad but kept India in our hearts, we have always been proud to serve as its ambassadors—contributing not just through foreign investments, tourism, and charitable efforts, but by bringing India’s rich culture, heritage, and values to the world stage.

    The new restrictions feel like a step backward, treating OCI cardholders as outsiders, even though we remain deeply connected to our homeland. We have always given back in every way we can, be it through supporting causes close to India’s heart, promoting its global reputation, or contributing to its economic growth.

    India is not just a place to us—it is home, no matter where we live. These regulations, while perhaps well-intentioned, send a message that seems to undervalue the love and effort the diaspora pours into the nation. We don’t seek special privileges, only a recognition of our lifelong bond with our motherland.

    I hope the government reconsiders these measures and remembers that the global Indian community has always stood by India with unwavering loyalty and support. We are ready to continue working for the betterment of our beloved country, hand in hand, as we have always done.

  23. That is th he it should be, you have to have alliance to one nation that is their mother land or the adopted nation. You can’t ride on two boats. Who is this Geroge Fernandez? Guess he is a christian who promote his own agenda. What ever Indian government did this was with reason.

  24. Very good step. Problem will only be from people who indulge and exploit the concessions to do anti India activities and conversions. Any person indulging in negetive activities should be penalized heavily , imprisoned and their and their families OCI card cancelled.

  25. They’ll consider as Indian citizens just for collecting free funds and nothing else. There are red flags everywhere.

  26. They’ll only consider us Indian citizens for collecting free funds from us and nothing else. There are red flags everywhere

  27. Keep your agenda within the country of your citizenship. Don’t whine if your plan is to defame India in exchange to illicit funding or religious activities. Sorry. Soros clowns need to go somewhere else. India doesn’t need your money anymore😃 Freedom is not up for sale

  28. Keep your agenda within the country of your citizenship. Don’t whine if your plan is to defame India in exchange to illicit funding or religious activities. Sorry. Soros clowns need to go somewhere else. India doesn’t need your money anymore😃 Freedom is not up for sale

  29. I have a flat at Adalaj near Gandhi Nagar part of Ahmedabad. The flat is in joint names with my wife and it was bought more than ten years ago. We are British Citizens. We both have OCI Cards. How will we be affected by new rules for entering and leaving India once a year? We prefer to leave partly in India and UK.

  30. Nothing significantly wrong with these changes and there is definitely an alarmist reaction in this article with claims you could be accused of missionary work by going to church!

  31. Not surprising. Many intellectual OCI have been criticising Modi government for the rise of Hindu supremacism. Some of them like Ashok Swain, Aatish Taasir have lost their OCI status. Swain’s tweets are banned in India. Last year, Dr Natasha Kaul was deported from Bengaluru Airport without giving any reason. India’s global rank in freedom of speech has bottomed with heavy drop in recent years.

  32. Continued from previous comment: The article has not provided any evidence, any link to the RBI circular, hence cannot be relied on fully.

  33. Some bad apples always create problems for the rest. Our Earth is a paradise don’t lie, cheat, steal and kill and it will always remain so.

  34. Wonder why indian diaspora are making hula Bula about this regulations. Most countries in the world have stricter regulations than mentioned by the indian government. India and it’s people have the right to save their country from many anti national people who are sitted outside India and trying to create unrest in India. Kudos to this government who is able to take the right dessions for it’s county like many others in the world.

  35. These are needed as some of my classmates after reaping free education and merit vum means scholarships and then going abroad are indulging in many falsehoods and spreading hatred among Indian communities. Although I am also impacted, still I feel this is correct to curb the spread of hatred and falsehoods

  36. This is long overdue in line with similar policies in other countries. The hospitality in India was being abused by anti Indian and separatists holding OCI privelages.

  37. I see only one person making negative statements, claiming to represent million+ diaspora. He does not represent me and many others like me. Definitely no businessman will just up and take his business elsewhere it is a BS. Only people who are worried are people who are shady and want to hide behind the OCI guide. Honest people can take permission to conduct business or buy/sell property.

  38. These changes impact travel, business, religious activities, and more for the Indian diaspora WHO CONTINUE TO CHOOSE ENGAGING IN ANTI-NATIONAL ACTIVITIES…

  39. I am an NRI living in Europe. I understand how much privilege we get. This move is aimed at restricting Khalistani movement in Punjabi and stop violence in Manipur. We all have seen how foreigners meddled in Indian politics during recent election, during Farmer protest, and during CAA.

    Foreign press especially in Europe are hostile to India and all journalists who write the articles are OCI card holders, that is, foreign nationals having a lot of freedom.

    Though there will be impact on investment, but I support this move.

  40. It would be helpful if this article could provide links and more information on how an OCI card holder can go about getting necessary permissions etc.

  41. Dear Sir, I agree with the changes its better security for the country some people took advantage and miss used.

  42. These restrictions are Most welcome. They are crucial to the internal security of the country. Very wise and farsighted step.

  43. I support what every is done to protect, save, bring accountability, close the loopholes, tighten the laws, make financial strict and so on. One thing is understand people here in Aus/ US/ Canada/ UK won’t revolt the native country where they stay. My idea is make India a Best place to live.

  44. OCI is a privilege that should not be
    Misused. Many folks misuse it to destabilize our country. I am an OCI holder and I see that the changes are totally legitimate. It still allows you to do a job in India without restrictions. Which country gives you that? Welcome this whole heartedly.

  45. When you become citizen of foreign country you are no more citizen of earlier country. You also take oath of to be faithful to new country. It’s good to know that India gives OCI card with certain benefits for our ease. Most of OCI card holders are happy with it except those who have malafied intentions . Government frames rules and regulations to protect their country. Please don’t interfere and make havoc and misguide people.

  46. What is the source of this information? please give a link to the official announcement.
    I looked around before putting this comment and could not find any genuine official sources?

    1. Agree, I would urge and request the author to providing genuine governmental sources before writing information that could potentially be classified as “Fake news”.

  47. Pro-Modi diasporas, who used to raise slogans and wave flags in support of him, now feel dumped by the Modi government. The question now is, when Modi visits abroad, will these diasporas still lick his feet

  48. ******* Clearly content is sponsored by China & Pakistan. Attempt to create a rift between NRIs and Resident Indians. Unnecessary references to religion. Same old trick. Guys, don’t waste your time here. ************

  49. George sitting on his fortune will finds it difficult when has to go through formalities is quite natural. The question is forgoing his forgoing his foreign citizenship and get your Indian passport then how would it be to travel to developed nation you are part of and to do his business n personal transactions. I don’t think he will have a problem them… pure double standards
    … Ali. If it pains to see your love for India is not reciprocated, why did you take such a painstaking step to give away your Indian passport?

  50. What about people who are from jammu and Kashmir rajisthan and other restricted areas. Does this mean they can visit their home place as oci holder ?? This article is an amalgam of march 21st document issued by ministry back in 2021. After that there is no update. RBI has no involvement in sale and purchase infact Indian government has eased it. It’s a fake and hoax news probably with some agenda

  51. The Abraham brothers are agents of the CONgress. It is clear from the key thrust of this write up. NO SUCH ANNOUNCEMENTS HAVE NEEN MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT OF BHARAT.
    The CIA has been caught causing regime change in Bangladesh too. Indian Intelligence Agencies will be watching this site closely.

  52. Modi’s government has the right to protect his citizens as a priority then protecting the foreigner OCI holders enjoying or taking away the benefits of the local Indians of India. In line with that there are so many unwanted elements are getting into the nation has to monitored and therefore in my opinion no foreigners should not be given the same freedom as the local Indians.
    When I say foreign elements it’s more religious fanatics using their wealth to poison the minds of the locals may too would be a concern to Modi’s interlectual advisors. Bearing in mind as it is the locals are giving enough pressure to Modi’s government about Hindutua matters even though his government never took any discriminatory actions while the country is still a secular government.
    I in the believe business have caused an impact to the locals by giving the OCI holders the freedom and this kind of completions will definately affect the local market. Foreigners from overseas their money is big in value and will obviously will flash around to get what they want while the locals business people could find themselves with bigger challenges.
    So in short good to place a control on OCI holders in limiting excess to all businesses and licences and to scrutinise in these areas is for the best interest of the Indians while they were through thick and thin lived in India all along their lives need to be protected is my sincere opinion. This only allows to know who is doing what in their country rather leaving all free to do what the OCI members wished to do. Thanks

  53. Can someone tell how many country or countries have something like OCI for their past citizens , meaning those who renunciated their citizenship.
    Pls note OCI was from PIO

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