The Government of India issued the PIO card to people of Indian origin who were citizens of other countries. It served as a special identification card that provided multiple benefits to the cardholder, especially regarding travel and residency in India.
In 2015, the Indian government discontinued the PIO card system and merged it with the OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Card. This change simplified the process and provided individuals of Indian origin residing abroad with more comprehensive and lifelong benefits.
Who Was Eligible for a PIO Card?
A person could apply for a PIO card if they met the following conditions:
- Indian Ancestry: The applicant had to be of Indian origin. This meant that their parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents were Indian citizens.
- Foreign Citizenship: The individual must have been a foreign citizen at the time of application. Indian citizens were not eligible for a PIO card.
- Exclusion of Certain Countries: Nationals of countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, China, Iran, Bhutan, or Nepal were not eligible for a PIO card.
- Connection to India: Applicants sought to maintain strong ties with India through business, travel, or cultural connections.
This scheme provides a legal framework for people of Indian origin to engage more actively with India while maintaining their foreign nationality.
Benefits of a PIO Card
The PIO card offered various benefits that made it easier for people of Indian origin to visit and stay in India for extended periods. Below are some of the key advantages:
- Visa-Free Travel
PIO cardholders did not need a visa to travel to India. The card functioned as a long-term visa, allowing multiple entry into the country. This was a significant benefit, as it eliminated the hassle of applying for a visa whenever the individual wished to visit India.
- Extended Stay in India
With a PIO card, individuals could stay in India for up to 15 years without a separate visa. People who wanted to live in India for extended periods benefited from this, whether for work, retirement, or family reasons.
- Property Ownership
PIO cardholders bought, owned, and sold property in India, except for agricultural land, plantations, or farmhouses. This enabled them to invest in real estate in India, which was particularly useful for those with family connections.
- Work and Business Opportunities
The PIO card allowed individuals to work in India and start businesses without additional permits. This helped entrepreneurs and professionals contribute to India’s economy while maintaining foreign citizenship.
- Educational Benefits
PIO cardholders were eligible for educational opportunities in India. They could apply for admission to Indian institutions under the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota. This was a significant advantage for students of Indian origin who wanted to pursue higher education in India.
Limitations of a PIO Card
Although the PIO card offered many privileges, it also had some restrictions. Here are some key limitations:
- PIO cardholders were not allowed to vote in Indian elections.
- In India, PIO cardholders were not eligible for government employment.
- While PIO cardholders could live and work in India, they were not eligible to hold high constitutional positions.
How do you convert a PIO Card to an OCI Card?
If you still hold a PIO card, apply for an OCI card immediately. Here’s how you can do it:
- Go to the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) website.
- Complete the OCI application form online.
- Provide accurate details about your identity and existing PIO card.
- Submit scanned copies of the necessary documents, including a copy of your existing PIO card, foreign passport, and recent passport-size photographs
- Converting a PIO card to an OCI card incurs a processing fee.
- Once the form is completed, submit your application for processing.
- The processing time for an OCI card can take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks.
Conclusion
The PIO card was once a valuable document for people of Indian origin. Still, it offers greater benefits and a lifelong visa. If you still have a PIO card, converting it to an OCI card is essential to continue enjoying visa-free travel and residency in India. For the latest updates, visit the official Indian embassy or consulate website.