POI CARD - PERSON OF INDIA ORIGIN

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.
4. Iranian nationals of Indian Origin can be granted PIO card after MHA approval.
   
   Foreigners holding PIO cards- 
   
   Foreigners holding PIO cards can travel to India on their new passports with the valid PIO card having endorsement of the old passport on it, even if they are not carrying their old passports..
   
   However, such foreigners are advised to have necessary endorsement of the new passport from the competent authority on their PIO cards to avoid any inconvenience in future.