M A I N   N E W S

Centre notifies lifetime visa for PIO cardholders
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 2
Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) are now eligible for lifelong visa to visit India. The Ministry of Home Affairs has notified the scheme that was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Madison Square Garden rally in the US a few days ago.

PIOs who already have cards issued by the Ministry of External Affairs have also been exempted from police reporting during their period of stay in India, irrespective of any duration.

“A PIO card issued to an applicant shall be valid for his lifetime from the date of its issuance, provided that such an applicant has a valid passport,” the Home Ministry order has said.

A PIO card which has been issued prior to the date of publication of the notification (September 30, 2014), shall be deemed to be valid for life time of its holder subject to the condition that such person has a valid passport.

Earlier, PIO cards permitted only 15 years validity for visa-free entry to India and thereafter had to be extended for 10 years at a time if desired.

Besides, earlier a PIO card holder was required to register himself or herself with the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Officer / Foreigners Registration Officer (FRRO/FRO) concerned if he or she stays more than 180 days in India.

PIO Card Scheme for people of Indian origin having a foreign passport was introduced by the Government on March, 30, 1999. A total 52,264 persons, till 2010 have obtained PIO cards.

A PIO card is not allowed for nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and China.