- Foreign journalists in India face a chilling choice: Self-censorship, abandoning their profession, or potential exile due to the Indian government’s weaponization of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and work visa processes.
- The OCI card, originally intended to foster connections with the diaspora, is now being revoked with minimal justification, effectively barring journalists from re-entering India. This tactic, as highlighted by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), violates press freedom and stifles critical reporting.
- The opaque work visa process for OCI holders creates an atmosphere of uncertainty, discouraging journalists from tackling sensitive topics and leading to self-censorship. This decline in critical coverage damages India’s global image and undermines democratic principles.
The tightening grip of Hindu nationalism in India is having a chilling effect on foreign journalists, forcing many to self-censor, abandon their profession, or face potential exile. This worrying trend, exposed by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in a recent investigation, highlights the weaponization of bureaucratic processes to silence critical voices.
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The investigation centers on the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, a lifetime residence permit initially intended to bridge the gap between the Indian diaspora and their homeland. However, in recent years, this card has become a tool for controlling foreign journalists. The OCI can now be revoked with minimal justification, effectively barring the holder from re-entering the country and jeopardizing their career and personal life.
The report documents several chilling examples:
Vanessa Dougnac, a French journalist who called India home for 25 years, was forced to leave after facing threats of losing her OCI and press accreditation.
Aatish Taseer, a British-born journalist of Indian origin, lost his OCI status after writing a critical piece about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Several OCI journalists residing abroad, fearing entry bans, are opting out of covering upcoming Indian elections, depriving audiences of crucial international perspectives.
The bureaucratic web doesn’t stop at the OCI card. Since 2021, OCI holders also require a work visa, the application process for which is shrouded in ambiguity. Journalists face lengthy wait times and unclear guidelines, creating an atmosphere of perpetual uncertainty and hindering their ability to report freely. This ambiguity, RSF argues, aims to discourage journalists from tackling sensitive topics, leading to self-censorship and a decline in critical coverage.
The consequences of this restrictive environment extend far beyond individual journalists:
Raqib Hameed Naik, a US-based journalist who founded platforms monitoring religious violence and hate speech in India, has chosen self-exile due to fears of arrest upon returning.
Indian-born journalists with foreign citizenship face a stark choice – critical commentary potentially jeopardizing their ability to visit family and friends back home, or self-censorship to maintain access to their homeland.
RSF strongly condemns these tactics, highlighting their detrimental impact:
Violation of press freedom and journalist rights: The Indian government’s use of OCI cards and work visas as tools of pressure violates fundamental rights and sets a dangerous precedent.
Stifling critical voices and independent reporting: This environment restricts the flow of information and undermines democratic principles of transparency and accountability.
Damage to India’s global image and reputation: A stifled media environment could harm India’s standing on the world stage, potentially deterring foreign investment and partnerships.
The report concludes with a call to action for the Indian government:
Cease using OCI cards and work visas as tools to silence journalists.
Establish clear and transparent guidelines for media accreditation and visa processes.
Respect and uphold press freedom as a fundamental right.
The RSF investigation highlights a worrying trend in India. International stakeholders, human rights organizations, and think tanks must raise their voices in defense of independent journalism and hold the Indian government accountable for upholding press freedom.
Beyond the 697 words provided, it’s important to note that this issue has broader implications:
Potential for domino effect: The weaponization of OCI cards and work visas against journalists could set a dangerous precedent, inspiring other countries to follow suit.
Impact on global discourse: Silencing critical voices from international media outlets hinders open dialogue and understanding of complex issues within India.
Long-term consequences for Indian democracy: A constrained media landscape can hinder democratic processes and erode public trust in institutions.