Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that India is extending Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility for the Surinamese-Hindustani community from the fourth to the sixth generation, recognising their enduring ties to the country despite a complex migration history spanning more than 150 years.&nbsp;Speaking at a diaspora event in the Netherlands, PM Modi described the community as a "living bridge" between India and Europe. "The true strength of the relationship between India and the Netherlands lies in all of you," he said. "You are the living bridge of this partnership. Therefore, the Government of India has extended the eligibility for the OCI Card for the Surinamese Hindustani community from the fourth generation to the sixth generation."&nbsp;The Surinamese-Hindustani community, numbering around 120,000 in the Netherlands, represents the largest and oldest Indian-origin group in continental Europe. Their ancestors were indentured labourers from Bhojpuri-speaking regions of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal who arrived in Suriname aboard the ship Lalla Rookh on 5 June 1873. After Suriname's independence in 1975, many migrated a second time to the Netherlands, creating a distinctive "twice-migrant" identity that blends Indian, Caribbean and Dutch influences.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-cm-vijay-allocates-cabinet-portfolios-keeps-home-and-urban-development-departments-1778936619878">Tamil Nadu CM Vijay allocates Cabinet portfolios, keeps Home and Urban Development departments</a>&nbsp;Central to their cultural continuity is Sarnami, a creole language derived from Bhojpuri and Awadhi with Dutch elements, still spoken in areas like The Hague. The community has preserved traditions such as Baithak Gana folk music, with artists like fifth-generation singer Raj Mohan pioneering a unique Sarnami-Bhojpuri style that has collaborated with Indian musicians, including Anup Jalota.&nbsp;PM Modi highlighted the Indian diaspora's role in strengthening bilateral ties. "The Netherlands will become the natural gateway for Indian businesses entering Europe," he said. "In this journey, our diaspora can serve as a trusted bridge... This will also create greater opportunities for Indians settled here to engage with high-quality products from India."&nbsp;He also expressed gratitude to the Dutch people and government, noting their appreciation for the community's contributions. "Every Indian takes pride in the contribution you are making to Dutch society and to the economy here. On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I extend my warm wishes to the people of this country."&nbsp;The announcement builds on India's recognition of prominent community members through the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. Recipients include community leader Ram Lakhina (2009), Saleh Wahid (2011), former Hague Deputy Mayor Satnarainsing Rabin Baldew Singh (2014), and Eugene Rhuggenaath (2021), former Prime Minister of Curaçao. The move is seen as a significant step in deepening India's engagement with its far-flung diaspora.

The Surinamese-Hindustani community, with a population of nearly 120,000 in the Netherlands, is the largest and oldest Indian-origin community in continental Europe.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that India is extending Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility for the Surinamese-Hindustani community from the fourth to the sixth generation, recognising their enduring ties to the country despite a complex migration history spanning more than 150 years. Speaking at a diaspora event in the Netherlands, PM Modi described the community as a "living bridge" between India and Europe. "The true strength of the relationship between India and the Netherlands lies in all of you," he said. "You are the living bridge of this partnership. Therefore, the Government of India has extended the eligibility for the OCI Card for the Surinamese Hindustani community from the fourth generation to the sixth generation." The Surinamese-Hindustani community, numbering around 120,000 in the Netherlands, represents the largest and oldest Indian-origin group in continental Europe. Their ancestors were indentured labourers from Bhojpuri-speaking regions of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal who arrived in Suriname aboard the ship Lalla Rookh on 5 June 1873. After Suriname's independence in 1975, many migrated a second time to the Netherlands, creating a distinctive "twice-migrant" identity that blends Indian, Caribbean and Dutch influences. Also Read: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay allocates Cabinet portfolios, keeps Home and Urban Development departments Central to their cultural continuity is Sarnami, a creole language derived from Bhojpuri and Awadhi with Dutch elements, still spoken in areas like The Hague. The community has preserved traditions such as Baithak Gana folk music, with artists like fifth-generation singer Raj Mohan pioneering a unique Sarnami-Bhojpuri style that has collaborated with Indian musicians, including Anup Jalota. PM Modi highlighted the Indian diaspora's role in strengthening bilateral ties. "The Netherlands will become the natural gateway for Indian businesses entering Europe," he said. "In this journey, our diaspora can serve as a trusted bridge... This will also create greater opportunities for Indians settled here to engage with high-quality products from India." He also expressed gratitude to the Dutch people and government, noting their appreciation for the community's contributions. "Every Indian takes pride in the contribution you are making to Dutch society and to the economy here. On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I extend my warm wishes to the people of this country." The announcement builds on India's recognition of prominent community members through the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. Recipients include community leader Ram Lakhina (2009), Saleh Wahid (2011), former Hague Deputy Mayor Satnarainsing Rabin Baldew Singh (2014), and Eugene Rhuggenaath (2021), former Prime Minister of Curaçao. The move is seen as a significant step in deepening India's engagement with its far-flung diaspora.

The Surinamese-Hindustani community, with a population of nearly 120,000 in the Netherlands, is the largest and oldest Indian-origin community in continental Europe.

PM Modi extends OCI cards to sixth generation for Surinamese-Hindustani diaspora

Sébastien Farcis, a French journalist, alleged on Thursday that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had refused to renew his permit, forcing him to leave India and preventing him from covering the general elections in 2024.

Sébastien Farcis, a French journalist, alleged on Thursday that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had refused to renew his permit, forcing him to leave India and preventing him from covering the general elections in 2024. He is the second French journalist to make such a claim in four months. “On 17th June, I was forced to leave India, a country where I had lived and worked as a journalist for 13 years, as a South Asia correspondent for Radio France Internationale, Radio France, Libération and the Swiss and Belgian public radios,” Farcis posted on X on Thursday. According to Farcis, the MHA notified him on March 7 that he would not be allowed to cover the general elections and declined to renew his journalist permit. “This appeared to me as an incomprehensible censorship,” he wrote, stating that he had been working in India as a journalist since 2011 and had obtained all the necessary visas and accreditations. “I have…never worked in restricted or protected areas without a permit. On several occasions, the MHA even granted me permits to report from border areas,” he said in a statement. “This denial comes as a worrying context of increasing restrictions on the work of foreign journalists: after Vanessa Dougnac, I am the second French journalist in four months to have to leave India under these conditions. At least five OCI foreign correspondents have been banned from working as journalists in less than two years,” he added. Also read: Indian farm worker in Italy dies after employer dumps him on roadside with severed arm After 23 years of working as a journalist in India, Dougnac was allegedly asked to leave on February 16. According to an Outlook report, she was also married to an Indian man and had a son. The MHA allegedly sent her a notice in January, charging her of penning "malicious" articles that undermined "the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India." She said that the notification mandated her to answer why her OCI card should not be cancelled. According to a February report in media outlet Article 14, the NDA government canceled at least 102 OCI cards between 2014 and May 2023. OCI, a status created in 2005 under the Citizenship Act, of 1955, allows foreign citizens of Indian origin or foreigners married to Indian citizens, to enter India without a visa. It also allows them to reside, work and own property. MHA has not reacted to Sébastien Farcis' claims yet. (With inputs from agencies)

'Country where I had lived and worked...': French journalist claims he was 'forced' to leave India

India is considering the cancellation of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards for more than a dozen individuals engaged in pro-Khalistan activities as authorities have instructed agencies to locate properties linked to such individuals residing abroad, local media reports said citing sources. This is to intensify the crackdown on Khalistani elements and prevent individuals involved in these illegal activities from entering India.

Reports added that Indian authorities have identified 19 absconding Khalistani terrorists who are currently living in countries such as the US, UK, Canada, UAE, Pakistan, and others. The government is now intending to confiscate their properties under Section 33(5) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nijjar-row-canadian-defence-min-says-ties-with-india-important-will-continue-indo-pacific-strategy-639278">Nijjar row: Canadian defence min says ties with India 'important'</a>

Previously, security agencies had identified a group of 11 individuals, believed to be a mix of gangsters and terrorists, residing in Canada, the United States, and Pakistan. As per reports, out of these 11 individuals, eight are suspected to be operating from within Canada.

<h2>Government action</h2>

The government's actions are aimed at preventing Khalistani radicals from influencing and radicalising youth to join the movement in India.

This move comes in the wake of the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) confiscation of properties belonging to Khalistani radical Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in India's Chandigarh and Amritsar. It is worth noting that Pannun is a "designated individual terrorist" who is based in Canada and is involved in pro-Khalistani activities against India. He also threatened to shut down Indian consulates in Canada. The report citing sources said that by tightening the noose on OCI, the government hopes to disrupt the financial support network for these individuals in India and prevent their return here from abroad.&nbsp;

The NIA investigation into the Pannun case reportedly revealed that his organisation, Sikhs for Justice, was exploiting cyberspace to radicalise susceptible youth and incite them to engage in terrorist activities, as per the report.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-group-of-karabakh-refugees-reaches-armenia-amid-mass-exodus-639190">First group of Karabakh refugees reaches Armenia amid mass exodus</a>

In 2019, India officially designated Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as an unlawful association. As per the NIA probe, Pannun has been actively encouraging Punjab-based gangsters and youth via social media to support the cause of an independent Khalistan state. This, as per NIA, has posed a challenge to India's sovereignty, integrity, and security.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-nazi-veteran-honoured-by-canada-parliament-house-speaker-issues-apology-later-639280">Canada: Nazi veteran honoured by Canada Parliament, House Speaker issues apology later</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-nazi-veteran-honoured-by-canada-parliament-house-speaker-issues-apology-later-639280/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

India has been actively cracking down on Khalistani activities within its borders to safeguard national security. The actions by the Indian government, which demonstrate a robust commitment to addressing the Khalistan issue, also come in the backdrop of the strained relationship between India and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged of "potential" involvement of agents of the Indian government in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

India is considering the cancellation of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards for more than a dozen individuals engaged in pro-Khalistan activities as authorities have instructed agencies to locate properties linked to such individuals residing abroad, local media reports said citing sources.

India is considering the cancellation of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards for more than a dozen individuals engaged in pro-Khalistan activities as authorities have instructed agencies to locate properties linked to such individuals residing abroad, local media reports said citing sources. This is to intensify the crackdown on Khalistani elements and prevent individuals involved in these illegal activities from entering India. Reports added that Indian authorities have identified 19 absconding Khalistani terrorists who are currently living in countries such as the US, UK, Canada, UAE, Pakistan, and others. The government is now intending to confiscate their properties under Section 33(5) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Also Read | Nijjar row: Canadian defence min says ties with India 'important' Previously, security agencies had identified a group of 11 individuals, believed to be a mix of gangsters and terrorists, residing in Canada, the United States, and Pakistan. As per reports, out of these 11 individuals, eight are suspected to be operating from within Canada. Government action The government's actions are aimed at preventing Khalistani radicals from influencing and radicalising youth to join the movement in India. This move comes in the wake of the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) confiscation of properties belonging to Khalistani radical Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in India's Chandigarh and Amritsar. It is worth noting that Pannun is a "designated individual terrorist" who is based in Canada and is involved in pro-Khalistani activities against India. He also threatened to shut down Indian consulates in Canada. The report citing sources said that by tightening the noose on OCI, the government hopes to disrupt the financial support network for these individuals in India and prevent their return here from abroad. The NIA investigation into the Pannun case reportedly revealed that his organisation, Sikhs for Justice, was exploiting cyberspace to radicalise susceptible youth and incite them to engage in terrorist activities, as per the report. Also Read | First group of Karabakh refugees reaches Armenia amid mass exodus In 2019, India officially designated Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as an unlawful association. As per the NIA probe, Pannun has been actively encouraging Punjab-based gangsters and youth via social media to support the cause of an independent Khalistan state. This, as per NIA, has posed a challenge to India's sovereignty, integrity, and security. Watch | Canada: Nazi veteran honoured by Canada Parliament, House Speaker issues apology later × India has been actively cracking down on Khalistani activities within its borders to safeguard national security. The actions by the Indian government, which demonstrate a robust commitment to addressing the Khalistan issue, also come in the backdrop of the strained relationship between India and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged of "potential" involvement of agents of the Indian government in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

India to cancel dozens of OCI cards in crackdown on Khalistani activities: Report

Indian government on Thursday changed rules for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. As per the new rules, any OCI cardholder who wishes to be involved in missionary, 'tablighi' or journalistic activities, he will have to obtain a special permission from the government. India's Ministry of Home Affairs made the announcement in this regard.

The notification issued by the MHA said that OCI cardholders will have to take special permission from Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO)

The OCI cardholder will be "required to obtain a special permission or a special permit from the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or the Indian Mission to undertake research and to undertake any missionary or Tabligh or mountaineering or journalistic activities," said the notification.

In addition to this, overseas Indians will have to take permission for internship with foreign missions or need to visit a prohibited area.

The notification also has some benefits for OCI cardholders. It has given them parity with Indian nationals in domestic airfare tariffs or entry fees for national monuments, parks and museums in India

Reportedly, the rules are part of a brochure published on November 15, 2019 and have only been notified now.

Indian government on Thursday changed rules for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. As per the new rules, any OCI cardholder who wishes to be involved in missionary, 'tablighi' or journalistic activities, he will have to obtain a special permission from the government.

Indian government on Thursday changed rules for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. As per the new rules, any OCI cardholder who wishes to be involved in missionary, 'tablighi' or journalistic activities, he will have to obtain a special permission from the government. India's Ministry of Home Affairs made the announcement in this regard. The notification issued by the MHA said that OCI cardholders will have to take special permission from Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) The OCI cardholder will be "required to obtain a special permission or a special permit from the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or the Indian Mission to undertake research and to undertake any missionary or Tabligh or mountaineering or journalistic activities," said the notification. In addition to this, overseas Indians will have to take permission for internship with foreign missions or need to visit a prohibited area. The notification also has some benefits for OCI cardholders. It has given them parity with Indian nationals in domestic airfare tariffs or entry fees for national monuments, parks and museums in India Reportedly, the rules are part of a brochure published on November 15, 2019 and have only been notified now.

Indian government changes rules for OCI cardholders   

In a major sigh of relief, India on Wednesday granted temporary relaxation to those who have not got their Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards re-issued.

According to an official notification, OCI cards holders, who are either below 20 years or above 50 years of age and have renewed their passports, can continue their travel to India till June 30.

They, however, are subjected to carry their existing OCI cards along with the new and old passports.

The move came after India citizens, who have settled abroad, complained that they were being subject to harassment by both the immigration authorities in cases pertaining to the re-issuing of the OCI cards.

In many cases, OCI cardholders had to cancel their trip to India or had to abruptly return mid-way due to the previous inconvenience.

The MEA had earlier allowed that OCI card needed to be re-issued each time a new passport was acquired by the cardholders up to the age of 20 years.

In addition, the cardholders were also required re-issued them once on acquiring a new passport after completing 50 years of age.

The OCI card was also not required to re-issue each time a passport was issued to a cardholder between 21 and 50 years of age.&nbsp;

In a major sigh of relief, India on Wednesday granted temporary relaxation to those who have not got their Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards re-issued. According to an official notification, OCI cards holders, who are either below 20 years or above 50 years of age and have renewed their passports, can continue their travel to India till June 30.

In a major sigh of relief, India on Wednesday granted temporary relaxation to those who have not got their Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards re-issued. According to an official notification, OCI cards holders, who are either below 20 years or above 50 years of age and have renewed their passports, can continue their travel to India till June 30. They, however, are subjected to carry their existing OCI cards along with the new and old passports. The move came after India citizens, who have settled abroad, complained that they were being subject to harassment by both the immigration authorities in cases pertaining to the re-issuing of the OCI cards. In many cases, OCI cardholders had to cancel their trip to India or had to abruptly return mid-way due to the previous inconvenience. The MEA had earlier allowed that OCI card needed to be re-issued each time a new passport was acquired by the cardholders up to the age of 20 years. In addition, the cardholders were also required re-issued them once on acquiring a new passport after completing 50 years of age. The OCI card was also not required to re-issue each time a passport was issued to a cardholder between 21 and 50 years of age.

In major relief, India grants temporary relaxation to those who don't have re-issued OCI cards

India has removed 312 foreign nationals from the Sikh community from its central "adverse list" and now these people can get a visa to visit India and even get an Overseas Citizen of India or OCI card. The list now only has two people on the list.

A government source said, "Government reviewed adverse list containing Sikh foreign nationals...review is a continuous and dynamic process and is a part of a regular exercise."

Explaining the benefit, the source added, "These Sikh foreign nationals would now be eligible to avail Indian visa services to reconnect to their roots and visit their families in India."

The people will now become eligible for issuance of long term Indian visas and become eligible for (OCI) card. They will be granted OCI card after holding normal visas for a period of two years.

Most of the Sikh Indian nationals on the list had left India to escape the authorities in the early 1980s in the aftermath of turmoil following operation Blue Star to flush out Khalistani terrorist occupying the holiest shrine in Sikhism - The Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar.&nbsp;

The Indian missions abroad have also done away with the maintenance of "local adverse lists". The missions will now grant an appropriate visa to all categories of asylees or people whose names have been removed from the central adverse list &amp; derivative asylees or families of such foreign citizens.

India has removed 312 foreign nationals from the Sikh community from its central "adverse list" and now these people can get a visa to visit India and even get an Overseas Citizen of India or OCI card.

India has removed 312 foreign nationals from the Sikh community from its central "adverse list" and now these people can get a visa to visit India and even get an Overseas Citizen of India or OCI card. The list now only has two people on the list. A government source said, "Government reviewed adverse list containing Sikh foreign nationals...review is a continuous and dynamic process and is a part of a regular exercise." Explaining the benefit, the source added, "These Sikh foreign nationals would now be eligible to avail Indian visa services to reconnect to their roots and visit their families in India." The people will now become eligible for issuance of long term Indian visas and become eligible for (OCI) card. They will be granted OCI card after holding normal visas for a period of two years. Most of the Sikh Indian nationals on the list had left India to escape the authorities in the early 1980s in the aftermath of turmoil following operation Blue Star to flush out Khalistani terrorist occupying the holiest shrine in Sikhism - The Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. The Indian missions abroad have also done away with the maintenance of "local adverse lists". The missions will now grant an appropriate visa to all categories of asylees or people whose names have been removed from the central adverse list & derivative asylees or families of such foreign citizens.

India removes 312 Sikh foreign nationals from 'adverse list'

oci-cards

Oci Cards, News on Oci Cards, stories on Oci Cards, articles on Oci Cards, Oci Cards stories at Wion, Oci Cards news, Oci Cards latest news