OCI Cardholders Require Special Permission To Undertake 'Tabligh', Media Activities

As per the new rules, the OCI cardholders will also have to inform the FRRO if there is a change in the address. Besides, the Overseas Indians will also need permission to take up any research work, internship with foreign missions or if they need to visit he areas designated as restricted or protected.

(Representative Image/ Getty)

New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has come up with new rules for overseas Indians seeking visas and said the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cardholders will need special permission from the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) if they want to take up any missionary, Tabligh or journalistic activities in the country.

As per the new rules, the OCI cardholders will also have to inform the FRRO if there is a change in the address.

Besides, the Overseas Indians will also need permission to take up any research work, internship with foreign missions or if they need to visit he areas designated as restricted or protected.

Sources said the rules, which have now been consolidated and notified, were part of the brochure published by the Union Home Ministry on November 15, 2019.

The move assumes significance in the wake of the rising coronavirus cases across the country.

It may be recalled here that members of the Tablighi Jamaat had come under scrutiny in March last year when national lockdown was imposed courtesy the novel coronavirus pandemic. This as several coronavirus cases across the nation were traced to their religious gathering in Delhi despite guidelines and orders issued by the Centre against large congregation.