subject: The Basics Of The Pio Card [print this page] As there are over 30 million Indians living and working overseas it will come as no surprise to learn that the PIO card (person of Indian origin card) is very much in demand. This is a card which is issued to persons of Indian origin and literally allows them free entry into the country, as many times a year as they want, and an array of other benefits. It is a very convenient and a very popular with of allowing those of Indian descent to visit "home" as often as possible.
Background
As more and more Indian workers look to move overseas, either for the long term for the short term, the ability to literally come and go from India as you want is very convenient. Not only does it allow those working overseas to maintain a very close contact with their Indian counterparts in the country but also cuts down on the mammoth immigration work carried out by the Indian authorities.
While India has one of the highest net migration figures in the world, second only to China, there are a significant number of those who move overseas who decide to return either short-term or long-term in the future. It is worth noting that a person of Indian origin card is only valid with a current passport.
Qualification for a PIO card
A number of new regulations were introduced by the government in September 2008 which make the process of applying for a PIO card as simple as possible. Those who qualify must meet one or more of the following criteria: -
Have held an Indian passport at any time in the past or
Have parents, grandparents or great grandparents who were born in and were residents of India. Any connection with Pakistan or Bangladesh would invalidate any PIO card application.
Are married to a person who is a citizen of India or of Indian origin
The criteria for a applying for a person of Indian origin card is fairly straightforward and is proving to be very popular amongst those who have moved overseas or are members of second, third and fourth generation families living abroad.
Benefits of a person of Indian origin card
There are a number of basic benefits for those holding PIO cards which include: -
Any visit lasting less than six months is free of any registration
All economic, financial and educational matters available to Indian citizens are also available to PIO card holders
Access to housing schemes run by the government
There are only a few minor downsides to a PIO card which include the fact that: -
Holders are not allowed to vote
May need further authorisation to enter restricted areas of the country
Excluded countries
The Indian authorities will not consider any PIO card application if the person involved has been a citizen of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan or Sri Lanka. There are historic reasons why these particular countries have been clearly earmarked as "unacceptable" in the eyes of the Indian authorities.
Conclusion
The person of Indian origin card is a very valuable document in the minds of many people living and working overseas who feel their cultural homeland is still India. The authorities have been very proactive in this particular field which has been well received by the population.
