Background :
the government of India revised the persons of indian origin Card Scheme in August 2002, launched in 1999, aimed at making the journey back to the roots, simpler, easier, flwxible & absolutely hassle free.
Eligibility For PIO Card :
* any person whot at any time held an indian passport; or he/she ; or either of his/her parents ; or grand parents or great grand parents was born in & permanently resident in india as defined in the government of india act 1935, & other territories that became part of india thereafter; or
* who is a spouse of a citizen of india or as mentioned above
* the scheme is broad-based, covers up to 4 generation & also foreign spouse of a citizen of india or a PIO.
Benefits of a PIO Cardholder :
- no visa required for visiting india
- no seperate 'student visa' / 'employment visa' required for admissions in colleges / institutions or for taking up employment respectively
- a PIO cardholder will be exempt from the requirement of registration if his stay on any single visit to india does not exceed to 180 days.
- in the event of continuous stay in india of the PIO cardholder exceeding 180 days , he/she shall have to get himself/herself registered within 30 days of the expiry of 180 days with the concerend foreigners regional registration officer.
- parity with non-resident indians in respect of facilities available to the latter in economic, financial & educational field.
- no parity shall be allowed in the sphere of political rights.
Validity & Fee of the PIO card :
- a PIO card shall be valid for a period of 15 years from the date of issue subject to the validity of the passport of the applicant.
- the fee for a PIO cardholder would be Rs.15,000 /- , payable along with the apllication.
- PIO card to children upto the age of 18 years will be issued at a fee of Rs.7500 /- for a 15-year card.
