PIO / OCI
Querist :
Anonymous
(Querist) 04 May 2010
This query is : Resolved
Can a Srilankan Citizen married to a Indian citizen is eligible for PIO / OCI? Please advice.
A V Vishal
(Expert) 05 May 2010
No he cannot be basically understand that PIO means person of Indian Origin and OIC means Overseas Indian Card.
The new PIO Card Scheme, 2002, is in operation since 15th September, 2002. All persons of Indian origin who are in possession of the passport of any other country except Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Sri Lanka or any other country specified by the government are eligible for PIO Card if:
1. He/She had any time held an Indian passport.
2. He/She or either of his/her parents or grand parents or great grand parents was born in India or permanent resident in India provided neither was at any time a citizen of any other specific country.
3. He/She is a spouse of a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin covered under 1 & 2 above.
Iranian nationals of Indian Origin can be granted PIO card after MHA approval.
Foreigners of Indian origin (except Pakistan and Bangladesh) whose present nationality is such that their country of nationality allows dual citizenship in some form or other, are eligible to apply under OCI scheme, if he/she possesses evidence of self or parents or grand parents:
1. Being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of Indian Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950. OR
2. Belonging to a territory that became a part of India after 15.01.1947.
OR
3. Being a citizen of India on or after 26.01.1950.
