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Indian Consulate in New York denies restrictions on OCI cardholders amid confusion
Recent media reports had claimed that new changes in OCI rules had reclassified OCIs as “foreign nationals,” stripping them of privileges they previously enjoyed.
The Consulate General of India in New York. / Facebook/Consulate General of India New York
The Consulate General of India in New York sought to reassure the Indian American community on Sep. 28, responding to what it described as “false information” regarding restrictions placed on Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.
In an official statement, the Consulate said, “We have come across news reports spreading false information that restrictions have been placed on OCI cardholders in the recent past. Friends in the Indian American community are hereby informed that no new change has been introduced in the recent past for OCI cardholders. Provisions of Gazette Notification dated March 4, 2021, regarding the rights of OCI cardholders, continue to remain in force."
Recent media reports had claimed that new changes in OCI rules had reclassified OCIs as “foreign nationals,” stripping them of privileges they previously enjoyed. The reports also suggested that the changes now require permits for OCIs to visit certain regions, making travel, business, and religious activities more difficult for members of the global Indian diaspora.
We have come across news reports spreading false information that restrictions have been placed on OCI card holders in the recent past.
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) September 28, 2024
Friends in the Indian American community are hereby informed that no new change has been introduced in the recent past for OCI card… pic.twitter.com/iD9qGcIQBY
Many non-resident Indians (NRIs) expressed frustration at what they perceived as sudden bureaucratic hurdles, raising concerns that these measures could harm the relationship between India and its overseas citizens. Critics have voiced concerns about the potential economic consequences, noting that OCIs play a key role in driving India’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Some fear that the rumored restrictions could undermine trust and deter future investments.
There have also been calls for stronger legal protections for NRI investments, with advocates emphasizing the significant contributions the global Indian community makes across multiple sectors. Additionally, some have warned that feelings of marginalization are growing among OCIs, as many fear the long-term effects on their personal and economic ties to India.
Despite these concerns, the Indian government has maintained that the rules governing OCIs have not been altered since March 2021, and that the reports of new restrictions are unfounded. Nevertheless, the debate has sparked a wider conversation about the role of OCIs in India's future, both economically and socially.
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