Flagging concerns over instances of dishonoring or revocation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cards, a Parliamentary Panel in India observed that such actions could damage the country’s image as a nation that welcomes its diaspora. It also sought progress on granting voting rights to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

The Standing Committee on External Affairs, headed by Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor, in its latest report on April 1, 2025, made several recommendations on a range of issues affecting the Indian diaspora, which is estimated to be over 35 million across 209 countries and territories.

Addressing concerns expressed by various stakeholders and members during discussions with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officials, the panel noted issues related to the revocation of OCI Cards, rejection of applications, and denial of travel permissions at airports. The Committee observed that the OCI Card carries an implicit promise of multiple-entry, multipurpose, lifelong visas to visit India. It warned that “actions dishonoring the same on flimsy grounds would damage the country’s international image as a welcoming nation for its diaspora and potentially impact economic decisions, discouraging investment.”

The panel recommended that the MEA work in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which is responsible for granting OCI Cards, to establish procedural safeguards. These should include clear communication channels, regular updates on application requests, sharing of relevant information on suspected violations, and collaboration on decision-making. It also urged the MEA to ensure consistency and due process while revoking or denying OCI Cards, with the MHA handling legal aspects and the MEA managing international communication.

It also suggested the Ministry work to attend to the matters relating to grant of voting rights, denial of permission and rejection of Cards for Overseas Citizens of India, an agreed definition for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) and a more empathetic treatment upholding human rights during return journey of illegal immigrants to India.

Voting Rights for NRIs

Regarding the issue of voting rights for NRIs, the Committee highlighted the limitation that currently requires them to be physically present in India to vote. It noted that, given technological advancements, solutions such as the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) could be explored. Since the matter is pending with the Ministry of Law and Justice and requires amendments to the Representation of the People Act, as well as engagement with national political parties, the Committee urged the MEA to actively pursue the issue with the Law Ministry, the Election Commission of India, and other stakeholders. It recommended that the Ministry establish clear timelines and keep the panel informed of developments.

PIO to OCI Card Conversion

Addressing the issue of converting the now-discontinued Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Cards to OCI Cards, the panel appreciated the merger of the two schemes. However, it noted that although the PIO Scheme ended in 2015, a large number of PIO Card holders have yet to convert their cards to OCI Cards. Observing that the conversion process has been slow, the panel pointed out that as of the latest data, only 5.12 million OCI Cards had been issued, which is inadequate compared to the estimated 19.57 million PIOs worldwide.

The Committee recommended that the Ministry take proactive steps to disseminate information that conversion is not automatic and requires a formal application to receive a physical, machine-readable document. It urged the Ministry to use social media platforms, diaspora organizations, state governments, and other stakeholders to ensure that all PIO Cards are converted to OCI Cards by the December 31, 2025 deadline.

A Common Definition for NRI

Highlighting the need for a standardized definition of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), the Committee observed that multiple definitions exist across different laws, states, and government acts. It noted that this multiplicity of definitions could lead to inconsistencies in decision-making and accessing services. The panel recommended that the Ministry work with other relevant Ministries and Departments to propose a unified definition of NRI that would be applicable across all government acts and state legislations.

Treatment of Illegal Indian Immigrants

The Committee also deliberated on the treatment of Indian illegal immigrants deported from the United States, particularly those who were sent back in handcuffs, waist chains, and leg irons. While acknowledging that it is the responsibility of any government to take back its citizens who have entered and lived in another country without proper documentation, the Committee urged the Indian government to handle such situations “in a more empathetic manner, upholding the human rights of migrants.”

It recommended exploring ways to facilitate the deportation of illegal immigrants without undermining their dignity. The Ministry informed the panel that, following repeated requests, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not shackle women and children during the second deportation in February this year.

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