PIO CARD SCHEME
Government of India has launched a Scheme for issuance of Person of Indian Origin Crd (PIO) Scheme 2002 effective September 15, 2002.
Under this Scheme, a 'Person of Indian Origin' can apply for a PIO Card which will enable him/her to enter India without a visa. For this purpose, a Person of Indian Origin would mean a foreign citizen (not being a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries as may be specified from time to time) if-
i. He/She at any time held an Indian passport; or
ii. He/She or either of his/her parents or grand parents or great grand parents was born in and permanently resident of India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935; or
iii. He/She is a spouse of a citizen of India or a person or Indian origin covered under (i) and (ii) above.
FACILITIES TO BE EXTENDED TO A PIO CARD HOLDER
A PIO Card Holder shall not require a separate visa to visit India
A PIO Card Holder will be exempted from the requirement of registration with Foreigner Regional Office if his stay on any single visit in India does not exceed 180 days.
In the event of continuous stay in India of a PIO Card Holder exceeding 180 days, he/she shall have to get himself/herself registered within 30 days of the expiry of 180 days with the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Officer.
PIO Card Holders shall enjoy parity with NRIs in respect of facilities available to the latter in the economic, financial and educational fields except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties.
VALIDITY OF A PIO CARD
A PIO Card shall be valid for a period of 15 years from the date of issue of the passport of the applicant.
Note: PIO Cards issued under the scheme notified in 1999 at US$ 1000/- will continue to remain valid. While no refund shall be available, the validity of such cards would be extendable for a further period of 10 years (i.e. 30 years in all) if so applied for by the card holder without any extra cost.
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