The Government of India introduced the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) Card as a long-term identification and visa scheme to facilitate travel and interaction with India for people of Indian origin living abroad. However, in January 2015, the government merged the PIO Card scheme with the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Card, simplifying the system for foreign nationals of Indian origin.
Key Details about the PIO Card:
1. Purpose of the PIO Card:
- To strengthen the ties between India and people of Indian origin residing outside India.
- To provide facilitate visiting and investing in India easier for Indian-origin foreign nationals.
2. Eligibility for a PIO Card:
- Any person who had previously held Indian citizenship or whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were born in India or were permanent residents of India.
- Spouses of Indian citizens or PIO Cardholders (if married for a specified period).
3. Benefits of the PIO Card:
- Visa-Free Travel: A PIO Cardholder could visit India without needing a visa for 15 years from the date of issue.
- Exemption from Registration: No requirement to register with local authorities for stays in India up to 180 days.
- Access to Rights in India:
- Similar to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in terms of owning property (except agricultural land) and accessing educational institutions under the NRI quota.
- Simpler procedures for investments and business activities in India.
4. Merger with OCI:
- In January 2015, the PIO Card scheme was discontinued, and all existing PIO Cards were merged with OCI Cards under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2015.
- This move was intended to reduce confusion between the two schemes and unify their benefits under the OCI Card.
- A grace period was provided to Person of Indian Origin Cardholders to convert their cards into OCI Cards for free.
5. Conversion of PIO to OCI:
- PIO Cardholders must apply online to convert their PIO Card into an OCI Card via the official Indian government portal.
- Required documents include the original PIO Card, passport, proof of Indian origin, and photographs.
- Conversion ensures lifelong validity and access to updated benefits under the OCI scheme.
6. Key Differences Between PIO and OCI Cards (Before the Merger):
- Validity: Person of Indian Origin Card was valid for 15 years, while the OCI Card offers lifelong validity.
- Registration: PIO Cardholders had to register for stays exceeding 180 days, while OCI Cardholders do not.
- Eligibility: OCI eligibility was more restrictive, excluding individuals whose ancestors were citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
