PIO CARD

THE PIO CARD AND SCHEME

In a significant step towards granting dual citizenship to overseas Indians, the Government approved the person of Indian origin (PIO) card scheme to permit all such individuals visa-free entry into the country.

Definition of Person of Indian Origin (PIO)

"Person of Indian Origin" means a foreign citizen [not being a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries as may be specified by the central government from time to time] if"

1. He/she at any time held an Indian passport;

2. He/she or either of his/her parents or grand parents or great grand parents was born in and permanently resident in India as defined in the Government of India Act ,1935 and other territories that become part of India thereafter provided neither was at any time a citizen of any of the aforesaid countries [as referred to in 2(b) above]; or

3. He/she is a spouse of a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin covered under (I) or (ii) above.

Persons of Indian origin upto the fourth generation ( great grand parents ) settled anywhere in the world , except for a few specified countries , would be eligible.

Procedure for Application for PIO Card

The card would be issued to eligible applicants through the concerned Indian Embassies/ High Commission / Consulates, and for those staying in India on a long term visa, the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai) would do the same and also from the ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Division, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi-110003. 

Detail of obtaining Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Card

1. The card would be issued to the eligible applicants through the concerned Indian Embassied/High Commissions/ Consulates.

2. The fees for the card , which will have a validity of 15 years would be Rs.15,000/- and for the minor, the fees is Rs 7,500/-.

Benefits of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) Card Schemes 

Besides making their journey back to their roots simpler, easier and smoother, this scheme entitles the PIOs to a wide range of economic, financial, educational and cultural benefits.

The benefits envisaged under the scheme include:-

(i) No requirement of visa to visit India;

(ii) No separate "student Visa " or "Employment Visa" required for admission in colleges/ institution or for taking up employment respectively;

(iii) No requirement to register with the Foreigners Registration officer if continuous stay does not exceeds 180 days, then registration is required to be done within a period of 30 days after expiry of 180 days;

(iv) Parity with Non-Resident Indians in respect of facilities available to the latter in economic, financial, educational fields, etc. These facilities will include:

(a) Acquisition , holding, transfer and disposal of immovable properties in India except for agricultural/plantation properties;

(b) Admission of children in educational institution in India under the general category quota for NRIs-including medical/engineering colleges, IITs, IIMs etc.;

(c) Various housing schemes of Life Insurance Corporation of India, State Government and other Government agencies;

(d) Special counters at the immigration check post for speedy clearance.

(v) All future benefits that would be extended to NRIs would also be made to PIO Card holders.

(vi) They however cannot enjoy political rights in India.

Issue of Gratis PIO Card  

Gratis PIO Card may be issued to an exceptionally eminent person of Indian Origin, who plays an important role in building bridges between India and the country of his/her adoption, if he/she expresses a desire to obtain the PIO Card.

Duplicate PIO Card  

Duplicate PIO Card can be obtained in case of loss, etc., on a request supported by FIR and other documents. A duplicate PIO Card shall be issued on depositing a fee of US $ 100. Duplicate PIO Cards will be issued by the same office that issued the original one.