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PIO (Person Of Indian Origin)

A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) is a citizen of any other country but whose ancestors were Indian nationals at least four generations away. A PIO card is issued to PIOs other than Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals with Indian origins, holding a foreign passport. The government issues a PIO Card to a Person of Indian Origin after verification of his or her origin or ancestry and this card entitles a PIO to enter India without a visa. Spouse of a PIO can also be issued a PIO card though the spouse might not be a PIO. This latter category includes foreign spouses of Indian nationals, regardless of ethnic origin, as long as they were not born in, or ever nationals of, the aforementioned prohibited countries. PIO Cards exempt holders from many restrictions that apply to foreign nationals, such as visa and work permit requirements, along with certain other economic limitations. PIOs can acquire non-agricultural and plantation property in India; can admit children to all educational institutes in India under NRI quota and can apply for various housing schemes of LIC, state governments and other government agencies. They are also exempted from registration at Foreigners Registration office at District Headquarters if stay in India does not exceed 180 days.

The PIO card can be withdrawn under following circumstances:

  • the PIO card was obtained through fraud, concealment of facts or false representation;
  • Ythe activities of the card holder in India do not conform to the laws of the country and the Indian Constitution;
  • he card holder happens to be citizen of a country with which India is at war, or is supporting another country in acts of aggression against India
  • the PIO has been found guilty of acts of terrorism, smuggling of arms and ammunition and narcotics;
  • has been sentenced in India up to one year’s imprisonment or fined up to Rs.10,000
  • the card holder’s presence in India is detrimental to the interests of the country.

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