On the basis of latest restrictions imposed on Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and the confusion it has created amongst OCI cardholders over interpretation of the brand new guidelines, the federal government is engaged on a web based system to offer permission for restricted actions.
In a gazette notification early this month, the government imposed certain restrictions on OCI cardholders wanting to carry out journalism, research work or engage in Tabligh and missionary activities among others.
Sources within the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated quickly these prepared to hold out journalistic or analysis work in India whereas holding an OCI card won’t must go to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or some other authority designated by the federal government however will get their permissions on-line
Through a gazette notification, the federal government stated OCI cardholders must take prior permission from “competent authority” or the FRRO “to undertake research; to undertake any Missionary or Tabligh or Mountaineering or Journalistic activities; to undertake internship in any foreign Diplomatic Missions or foreign Government organisations in India or to take up employment in any foreign Diplomatic Missions in India; to visit any place which falls within the Protected or Restricted or prohibited areas as notified by the Central Government or competent authority”.
Restriction on Tabligh actions for OCIs final discover point out in a doc titled “General Policy Guidelines Relating to Indian Visa” printed on February 1, 2018.
“To ease the hassle of OCI cardholders, the ministry is working on a system where they can make an online application for the mentioned restricted activities and get permission. They will have to declare for what particular activity they are visiting India and permissions will be granted accordingly. As of now they have to either go to the FRRO or for journalistic activity have to visit the XP division of the Ministry of External Affairs,” an official within the MHA stated.
Clearing confusion of recent rules
The latest restrictions placed on OCI cardholders in exercising journalism, analysis work or mountaineering has created confusion amongst these already pursuing these professions in India in addition to these intending to. Many OCIs have mentioned even the FRROs don’t have clear directions on how to implement the brand new restrictions. An online allow system is probably going to deal with these points and make the method problem free.