MHA implements Modi’s life-time PIO card promise
2 Oct 2014 6:29 AM IST
While amending the PIO Card Scheme, 2002 on 30 September, the home ministry has now notified that PIO card issued to an applicant shall be valid for his life time from its issue date provided that such applicant has a valid passport.
As per previous rule, those having PIO cards used to get only 15 years validity for visa-free entry service to India and had to extend it for 10 years at a time if desired. But, now PIO cards will have life-time validity, as promised by Modi in New York on Monday.
‘It is hereby clarified that a PIO card which has been issued prior to the date of publication of this notification shall be deemed to be valid for life time subject to the condition that such person has a
valid passport,’ home ministry statement reads.
The home ministry has also changed rules that earlier stipulated that PIO card holders spending more than 180 days in India were required to register themselves with the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or Foreigners Registration Officer (FRRO/FRO).
However, the new rule says that no PIO card holder needs to register with the FRRO irrespective of the duration of his stay in India. PIO Card Scheme for foreigners of Indian origin having foreign passport was introduced by the Indian Government on 30 March, 1999. A total 52,264 persons, till 2010 have obtained it.
As per previous rule, those having PIO cards used to get only 15 years validity for visa-free entry service to India and had to extend it for 10 years at a time if desired. But, now PIO cards will have life-time validity, as promised by Modi in New York on Monday.
‘It is hereby clarified that a PIO card which has been issued prior to the date of publication of this notification shall be deemed to be valid for life time subject to the condition that such person has a
valid passport,’ home ministry statement reads.
The home ministry has also changed rules that earlier stipulated that PIO card holders spending more than 180 days in India were required to register themselves with the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or Foreigners Registration Officer (FRRO/FRO).
However, the new rule says that no PIO card holder needs to register with the FRRO irrespective of the duration of his stay in India. PIO Card Scheme for foreigners of Indian origin having foreign passport was introduced by the Indian Government on 30 March, 1999. A total 52,264 persons, till 2010 have obtained it.
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