For many OCIs, this feels like a betrayal. Having long acted as a bridge between India and the global community, they now wonder whether the country is turning its back on them
The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) community, part of the 32-million-strong global Indian diaspora, is grappling with significant changes introduced by the Indian government. Once enjoying near-equal rights with Indian citizens, many OCIs now find themselves reclassified as “foreign nationals,” a shift that has triggered outrage and concerns worldwide.
The new regulations impose several restrictions on OCIs, including the requirement of permits for travel, business, and even religious activities. Real estate transactions are also tightly regulated, leaving many feeling sidelined. The government cites security concerns as the primary reason for these changes, but critics argue that the measures go too far.
Aditya Arora, an NRI living in Germany, has been deeply affected by the changes. “I had to renounce my Indian citizenship, but now I’m stuck in limbo. My wife and children are foreign nationals, but my situation remains unresolved,” he said.
Subhas Balappanavar, coordinator of the NRI Grievances Forum in Arizona, emphasized the need for legal safeguards to protect NRI investments, fearing that continued uncertainty will hurt India’s relationship with its overseas citizens
Sudhir J., an OCI holder who returned to Bangalore after years in the U.S., expressed frustration with the bureaucratic hurdles the new classification has created. “Every simple task, whether it’s travel, business, or even personal matters, now requires navigating an endless amount of red tape,” he lamented.
The sentiment is echoed across the OCI community. Sandeep S., an NRI based in California, stressed the significant financial contributions OCIs make to India, particularly through foreign direct investment (FDI). “We contribute billions in white money to India’s economy. This isn’t just about security—it’s about trust. Investors are going to think twice if the rules keep changing unpredictably,” he warned.
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