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Context: India is in the process of cancelling the registration of more than a dozen OCI card holders who are accused of engaging in pro-Khalistan activities and anti-India propaganda.

Key Highlights

• This move comes in the context of an ongoing dispute between India and Canada. India has suspended visa services in its Canadian missions and has directed a reduction in Canadian diplomatic staff in India.
• The Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card is granted to overseas Indians. It provides various privileges, including long-term visa-free travel and stays in India.
• OCI is not a dual citizenship scheme and does not confer any political rights.

Eligibility for OCI Card

• The eligibility criteria for OCI card registration include individuals who were citizens of India on or after January 26, 1950 or those who were eligible to become Indian citizens on that date. It also includes descendants of Indian citizens, minor children of Indian citizens, and more. Spouses of foreign-origin citizens of India or OCI cardholders are also eligible.
• Those individuals whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were citizens of certain specified countries like Pakistan or Bangladesh are not eligible for OCI registration.

OCI cardholders are entitled to a number of benefits, including:

• Multiple entries, multi-purpose, lifelong visa to visit India.
• Parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial, and educational fields, except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural land or farmhouse or plantation properties.
• The right to work in certain sectors, such as information technology, education, and research, without the need for a work permit.
• They are treated at par with Indian nationals when it comes to air costs within India and entry fees for museums, national parks, national monuments, wildlife sanctuaries, and historical sites in India.

Recent changes to the OCI scheme

• A requirement for OCI cardholders to obtain a prior permit before engaging in certain activities, such as research, journalism, and internships in India
• OCI cardholders are exempt from registration with the Foreign Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreign Registration Officer (FRO) for any length of stay in India. However, they must notify the authorities if their residential address or occupation changes.

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OVERSEAS CITIZENS OF INDIA (OCI): https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/overseas-citizens-of-india-oci#:~:text=The%20Central%20Government%20may%20register,commencement%20of%20the%20Constitution%3B%20or

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