Centre to cancel OCI cards over pro-Khalistan activity

Over 12 OCI cards to be scrapped; move follows India suspending visa services in Canada

- Utpal Bhaskar

India is in the process of cancelling the registration of more than a dozen Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders for carrying out pro-Khalistan activities and anti-India propaganda, said two people aware of the development.

The move comes in the backdrop of India suspending visa services in its Canadian missions, and directing Canada to cut its diplomatic staff in India.

New Delhi also expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, after an Indian diplomat was expelled by Ottawa, as ties nosedived over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation that India had a role in the killing of Canada-based Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

To be sure, the process of cancelling these OCI cards has been on for some time now. While OCI doesn’t confer political rights, it is in effect a multiple entry, multi-purpose, life-long visa for Indian-origin people living abroad.

OCI holders are exempt from having to register with the Foreign Regional Registration Office. They cannot hold public office, vote in Indian elections or buy agricultural land.