It is observed that large numbers of PIO Cardholders based in New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia are yet to convert their PIO Cards into OCI Cards. It is hereby notified again that the last date for PIO to OCI conversion is 30th June 2017. As it is unlikely that this deadline will be extended again as in the past, all PIO cardholders are advised to convert their PIO card into OCI immediately.
PIO : A Person of Indian Origin is a person of an Indian origin but who is not an Indian citizen and is the citizen of another country. It was introduced in September 2002.
OCI: Overseas Citizenship of India. It is a card (passport) which was introduced in response to demands for dual citizenship by Indian Government. And it was introduced in August 2005.
Currently, OCI and PIO card holders do not require to get Visa when travelling to India. As per recent announcement the last date for PIO holder to apply for OCI is 30 June 2017.
The conversion of PIO Cards into OCI Cards do not require any extra scrutiny or additional documentation except the requirement of copies of the foreign passport, existing PIO Card and documents showing parents name/statutory declaration regarding names of parents. In the case of difficulty/problem, the community members can visit the Consulate during Open House conducted every Thursday between 1500-1600hrs. For further information, you can also call VFS office.
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