PIO Card
Person of Indian Origin refers to a person of Indian origin who is not a citizen of India. PIO Card is a form of identification which is issued to a PIO who holds a passport in another country, except Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The PIO card came in effect from 15 September, 2002. For the purposes of issuing a PIO Card, the Indian government considers:
1. Anyone of Indian origin up to four generations removed, to be a PIO.
2. Spouses of people entitled to a PIO card in their own right also have option to carry PIO cards. Regardless of ethnic origin, foreign spouses of Indian nationals are also included.
3. Anyone who has ever held an Indian passport.
Card holders are exempted from many restrictions applying to foreign nationals, such as visa and work permit requirements, along with certain other economic limitations.
In order to allow a limited form of dual citizenship to Indians, NRIs and PIOs, the Indian government, as of January 2006 has introduced the "Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)" scheme for the first time since independence. PIO card scheme is expected to phase out in favor of OCI in the coming years. The PIO card is valid for period of 15 years from the date of the issue.
Advantages of PIO card:
1. No visa required for visiting India during the period of validity of PIO Card.
2. Exemption from registration at Foreigners Registration office at District Headquarters if stay in India does not exceed 180 days.
3. Parity with non-resident Indians in respect of facilities available to the latter in economic, financial and educational fields i.e.
a) acquire non-agricultural and plantation property in India,
b) admit children to all educational institutes in India under NRI quota,
c) apply for various housing schemes of LIC, state governments and other government agencies.
However, persons with a PIO are not allowed to vote and are ineligible for an inner line permit. Protected area permit is mandatory for these cases. They cannot undertake activities like missionary and research work, mountaineering, existing PAP/RAP without a special permit.
Documents required:
1. All relevant documents which substantiate claim to Indian origin.
2. In the case of children, a copy of the parent’s passport if parent still an Indian citizen, or old passport or birth certificate.
3. 4 passport size photographs, front view.
4. PIO card fee – US$ 310 for adults; US$ 155.00 for children, by a check favoring Embassy of India/Consulate General of India (as applicable).
Under the citizenship Act, PIO card holders can also apply for citizenship if they have resided in India for a minimum of 7 years before the application is submitted.
Withdrawal of PIO card:
1. If obtained through fraud, concealment of facts or false representation.
2. The activities of the card holder in India do not confirm to the laws of the country and the Indian Constitution.
3. The card holder happens to be citizen of a country with which India is at war, or is supporting another country in acts of aggression against India.
4. PIO found guilty of acts of terrorism, smuggling of arms and ammunition and narcotics or has been sentenced in India up to one year’s imprisonment or fined up to Rs. 10,000.
5. Card holder’s presence in India is detrimental to the interests of the country.
Explanation for withdrawal of the PIO card by the Government of India is not necessary.
The PIO card came in effect from 15 September, 2002. For the purposes of issuing a PIO Card, the Indian government considers:
1. Anyone of Indian origin up to four generations removed, to be a PIO.
2. Spouses of people entitled to a PIO card in their own right also have option to carry PIO cards. Regardless of ethnic origin, foreign spouses of Indian nationals are also included.
3. Anyone who has ever held an Indian passport.
Card holders are exempted from many restrictions applying to foreign nationals, such as visa and work permit requirements, along with certain other economic limitations.
In order to allow a limited form of dual citizenship to Indians, NRIs and PIOs, the Indian government, as of January 2006 has introduced the "Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)" scheme for the first time since independence. PIO card scheme is expected to phase out in favor of OCI in the coming years. The PIO card is valid for period of 15 years from the date of the issue.
Advantages of PIO card:
1. No visa required for visiting India during the period of validity of PIO Card.
2. Exemption from registration at Foreigners Registration office at District Headquarters if stay in India does not exceed 180 days.
3. Parity with non-resident Indians in respect of facilities available to the latter in economic, financial and educational fields i.e.
a) acquire non-agricultural and plantation property in India,
b) admit children to all educational institutes in India under NRI quota,
c) apply for various housing schemes of LIC, state governments and other government agencies.
However, persons with a PIO are not allowed to vote and are ineligible for an inner line permit. Protected area permit is mandatory for these cases. They cannot undertake activities like missionary and research work, mountaineering, existing PAP/RAP without a special permit.
Documents required:
1. All relevant documents which substantiate claim to Indian origin.
2. In the case of children, a copy of the parent’s passport if parent still an Indian citizen, or old passport or birth certificate.
3. 4 passport size photographs, front view.
4. PIO card fee – US$ 310 for adults; US$ 155.00 for children, by a check favoring Embassy of India/Consulate General of India (as applicable).
Under the citizenship Act, PIO card holders can also apply for citizenship if they have resided in India for a minimum of 7 years before the application is submitted.
Withdrawal of PIO card:
1. If obtained through fraud, concealment of facts or false representation.
2. The activities of the card holder in India do not confirm to the laws of the country and the Indian Constitution.
3. The card holder happens to be citizen of a country with which India is at war, or is supporting another country in acts of aggression against India.
4. PIO found guilty of acts of terrorism, smuggling of arms and ammunition and narcotics or has been sentenced in India up to one year’s imprisonment or fined up to Rs. 10,000.
5. Card holder’s presence in India is detrimental to the interests of the country.
Explanation for withdrawal of the PIO card by the Government of India is not necessary.
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