Actor Imran Khan Asked To Leave India: Are OCI Card Holders Allowed To Participate In Protests? All You Need To Know

Actress Imran Khan has reportedly been asked to leave India by October 28 after taking part in a Mumbai protest calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The situation has sparked questions about the rights and limitations of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, specifically whether they are permitted to engage in political protests.

The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Mumbai issued the notice in response to a complaint from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya, who raised concerns over Khan's participation despite his alleged American citizenship. Khan was among hundreds of individuals arrested during the demonstration at August Kranti Maidan on October 10.

An OCI card, introduced in 2005, enables eligible foreign citizens of Indian origin to enjoy certain privileges in India without acquiring dual citizenship. These individuals retain their passports from their home countries and are generally granted a lifelong, multiple-entry visa. They are also exempt from FRRO registration, as per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), with certain economic, financial, and educational privileges comparable to those enjoyed by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).