The Indian government can cancel an OCI card under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955, if obtained by fraud, for showing disaffection toward the Constitution, during security threats, or if the holder is imprisoned for $\geq 2$ years. Recent rules also allow cancellation if charged with offences punishable by $\geq 7$ years. [1, 2, 3]
Key Grounds for OCI Cancellation (Section 7D):
• Fraudulent Acquisition: Obtained by false representation, fraud, or concealment of material facts.
• Disaffection/Security: Disaffection towards the Constitution of India or acts prejudicial to national security, sovereignty, and integrity.
• Criminal Conviction: Imprisonment for a term of not less than two years within five years of registration.
• Criminal Charges (New Rules 2025): Being charge-sheeted for an offence that carries a punishment of 7 years or more.
• Public Interest: If cancellation is necessary in the interest of the general public or friendly relations with foreign countries.
• Violating Rules: For example, engaging in illegal activities or violating regulations regarding foreign nationals in India. [1, 2, 3]
Consequences and Procedures:
• Blacklisting: The person may be blacklisted, banning future entry into India.
• Forced Cancellation: The Central Government holds the authority to revoke the card if the holder is found acting against the interests of India.
• Process: The VFS Global website (https://services.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/united-states-of-america/oci-services/pdf/cancel-oci-checklist.pdf) provides a checklist for the physical cancellation process for cardholders. [2, 4, 5, 6]
For detailed, official information, you may refer to the or the . [1, 7, 8]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] https://www.cgisf.gov.in/page/general-information-on-oci-card/
[2] https://visionias.in/current-affairs/upsc-daily-news-summary/article/2025-08-13/the-economic-times/polity-and-governance/oci-card-can-be-cancelled-for-serious-criminal-charges-or-convictions-home-ministry-warns
[3] https://www.facebook.com/bsindia/posts/overseas-citizen-of-india-oci-cards-will-now-be-cancelled-if-the-holder-is-sente/1198018175704003/
[4] https://ociservices.gov.in/onlineOCI/faq
[5] https://m.economictimes.com/wealth/plan/government-specifies-new-grounds-for-oci-card-cancellation-know-more-here/what-are-the-new-rules-that-could-lead-to-oci-card-cancellation/slideshow/123298016.cms
[6] https://services.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/united-states-of-america/oci-services/pdf/cancel-oci-checklist.pdf
[7] https://ociservices.gov.in/
[8] https://epassportphoto.com/en-in/oci-photo
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