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Features
Ref. No. KLI/22-23/E-BB/1052
PIO cards were issued to individuals of Indian origin for visa-free travel and certain benefits, but they have been merged with the OCI scheme since 2015.
Many of you might be familiar with the term NRI, but how many of you have wondered what is OCI and PIO? While NRIs are Indian citizens living abroad, PIOs and OCIs are foreign citizens of Indian origin.
Since the Indian constitution does not allow dual citizenship, the PIO and OCI schemes were created to maintain connections with people of Indian origin, offering them specific rights and privileges similar to those of Indian citizens. Now that you understand the basic differences between NRI, PIO, and OCI, let us explore the PIO and OCI differences in more detail.
Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are individuals of Indian heritage who are citizens of countries other than India. If you or your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were born in India or belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947, you might qualify as a PIO. This status connects individuals of Indian descent living abroad with their cultural roots in India.
PIO status offers several benefits that make it easier for people of Indian origin to visit, live, and engage with India. Some of these benefits include:
To apply for a PIO card, you will need to provide several documents to prove your Indian origin and your current nationality. The specific requirements might vary slightly depending on where you’re applying, but generally, you will need:
An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) is a person of Indian origin who holds citizenship in another country but wants to maintain a connection with India. The OCI scheme was introduced to facilitate such individuals’ more seamless engagement with India. It’s often viewed as a long-term visa with many benefits, making it a popular choice among the Indian diaspora.
OCI status offers even more benefits compared to PIO status. Here are some of the key advantages:
To apply for an OCI card, you must gather specific documents to prove your eligibility. These typically include:
While both PIO and OCI statuses aim to connect the Indian diaspora with their roots, there are some significant differences between the OCI vs PIO:
Criteria |
PIO (Person of Indian Origin) |
OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) |
Eligibility |
Issued to individuals who are of Indian origin (up to 4 generations) |
Issued to foreign nationals who are of Indian origin (up to 4 generations) or spouses of Indian citizens/OCIs |
Visa Requirement |
Does not require a visa to visit India |
Does not require a visa to visit India |
Duration of Stay |
Up to 180 days without registration with FRRO/FRO |
No limit on the duration of stay in India |
Employment Rights |
Not allowed to work in certain sectors without permission |
Allowed to work in India, except for government positions and certain restricted areas |
Validity |
Initially issued for 15 years, now merged with OCI |
Lifelong validity |
Conversion to OCI |
PIO cardholders can convert to OCI without extra cost |
Not applicable |
Despite the numerous benefits, there are some limitations to PIO and OCI statuses:
Whether you are considering applying for an OCI card or just curious about the process, knowing the difference between PIO and OCI and the documents required can help you make an informed decision. Knowing PIO and OCI statuses is crucial for individuals of Indian origin who wish to maintain a connection with their heritage. These statuses offer numerous benefits, making travel, residence, and economic activities in India much more accessible.
1
The PIO card has been replaced by the OCI card as of 2015. All existing PIO cardholders are now considered OCI cardholders.
2
Yes, PIO cardholders can convert their cards to OCI cards. The conversion process is generally free of charge.
3
The application procedure for PIO cards is no longer applicable as they have been merged with OCI. For OCI cards, applicants must fill out an online form, submit the required documents, and pay the fee at the designated consulate or embassy.
4
PIO cards were initially valid for 15 years but are now obsolete. OCI cards have lifelong validity, allowing holders to stay in India indefinitely.
5
Both PIO and OCI cardholders enjoy visa-free travel to India. However, OCI cardholders have no limit on the duration of their stay. In contrast, PIO card holders could stay up to 180 days without registration, a requirement that is now irrelevant due to the PIO-OCI merger.
Features
Ref. No. KLI/23-24/E-BB/1052
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