The Indian government has once again extended the June 30, 2017 deadline for conversion of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards, this time until December 31, 2017.
An ordinance of January 6, 2015, amending the Indian Citizenship Act, unified the two schemes and, on January 9, 2015, the immediate withdrawal of the PIO scheme was announced.
The OCI is valid for the holder’s lifetime and is accompanied by a lifelong multiple entry visa to India, with no requirement to report to the FRRO, regardless of length of stay.
The deadline for the conversion of PIO to OCI has been extended several times since January 2015.
Applicants should submit their ‘PIO in lieu of OCI’ applications at their local Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India or at the overseas mission or consulate of jurisdiction. PIO card holders can continue to use their valid PIO cards until converted.
Please note that this is general information only and not intended as advice on a specific matter. Please feel free to contact Fakhoury Global Immigration directly with questions exclusive to your situation. This news alert may have been prepared using information from Peregrine Immigration Management, which is licensed to Fakhoury Global Immigration.