India Weaponises Immigration Control to Silence Its Diaspora
In a move sparking international concern, India has begun cancelling the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status of prominent critics and dissidents living abroad. The OCI is a special visa granted to individuals of Indian origin who have acquired foreign citizenship, allowing them to visit and stay in India without restrictions.
According to Professor Nitasha Kaul, an academic specializing in politics and international relations at the University of Westminster, her OCI was summarily cancelled in May. "I was shocked and dismayed by the sudden cancellation," she said. "As a British citizen and a scholar of Indian politics, I have always maintained my connection to India through my OCI status."
Kaul's case is not an isolated incident. The Indian government has been cracking down on OCI holders who have spoken out against its policies or criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In recent months, several prominent critics, including journalists and activists, have had their OCI status cancelled.
The cancellations are allowed under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act 1955, which permits the government to revoke OCI status in cases of "fraud" or "disaffection towards the Constitution." However, human rights groups and experts argue that the provision is being misused to silence dissenting voices.
"This is a clear attempt by the Indian government to stifle criticism and suppress free speech," said Raul Lai, Head of Platform for Indian Democracy. "By cancelling OCI status, the government is essentially saying that anyone who criticizes its policies or speaks out against human rights abuses will be punished."
The move has sparked outrage among India's diaspora community, with many expressing concerns about their ability to visit and stay in their ancestral homeland.
"The OCI cancellation is a blow to our sense of belonging and connection to India," said Rohan Mehta, a London-based activist. "It's a reminder that the Indian government is willing to use its power to silence us, even if we're living abroad."
The cancellations have also raised concerns about the implications for India's international relations. As a global power with significant diaspora communities around the world, India's actions are being closely watched by governments and human rights organizations.
"This is not just an issue of immigration control; it's a question of democratic values and human rights," said Professor Kaul. "The Indian government needs to recognize that its actions have consequences for its international reputation and relationships."
As the situation continues to unfold, the Platform for Indian Democracy has vowed to continue supporting OCI holders who have had their status cancelled. The organization is also calling on the Indian government to reverse its decision and respect the rights of its diaspora community.
The current status of OCI holders remains uncertain, with many facing uncertainty about their ability to visit and stay in India. As the international community watches closely, one thing is clear: the Indian government's actions have sparked a global debate about the limits of immigration control and the importance of protecting free speech and human rights.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
