PERSON OF INDIAN ORIGIN (PIO) CARD


 

BENEFITS

 

 

 
  • Besides making his/her journey back to his/her roots simpler, easier and smoother, this Scheme entitles the PIO Card holder to a wide range of economic, financial, educational and cultural benefits.
     

  • The benefits envisaged under the Scheme include:

  • No requirement of visa to visit India when PIO Card is carried along with the national passport;

  • No requirement of a Student Visa for undertaking studies in India and Employment visa for taking up employment in India. However, PIO Card holder would be required to fulfill other pre-requisite conditions and formalities in connection with his/her studies/employment as prescribed by concerned authorities from time to time.

  • No requirement to register with the Foreigners Registration Officer if continuous stay on a single visit does not exceed 180 days. If continuous stay exceeds 180 days, then registration is required to be done within a period of 30 days of the expiry of 180 days with the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or Foreigners Registration Officer.

  • Prior permission of the Government of India is required by the PIO Card holders for undertaking mountaineering expeditions, missionary activities, research work and visit to the restricted and protected areas.

  • Parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRI) in respect of facilities available to the latter in economic, financial, educational fields etc. except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties. A PIO Card holder would be eligible for benefits as available to NRIs from time to time.

  • PIO Card does not allow parity with NRIs in the sphere of political rights.

  • Separate counters for immigration would be provided to PIO Card holders at all International Airports in India. ░

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Applicants may direct their queries in this regard to Consular Section:

CONS.CARACAS@MEA.GOV.IN