PIO-OCI merger: What aimed to simplify NRIs life has added more to complexity

The merger of Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) schemes announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is turning out to be a confusing exercise at embassies abroad.

A top home ministry official told Economic Times that the ministry has now "advised" the foreign ministry that PIO card holders should get their cards converted to machine friendly OCI cards at a nominal fee as the existing PIO document - which is a paper document - will not be compatible with the card reading machines to be installed soon at Indian airports soon.

"We have advised that PIO cardholders apply and get their cards changed to OCI at the respective embassies so that they do not face any difficulty as authorities in different countries or Indian immigration ports may be confused regarding the PIO-OCI merger," the top ministry official told the financial daily.

As per the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2015, all PIO card holders "are deemed" to be OCI card holders with effect from January 9, 2015.
But it did not point out that the cards will need to be changed.

The officials in the foreign ministry cite lack of homework on part of the home ministry as one of the reasons has led to the issues, and are thereby creating confusion at Indian embassies abroad.

"We may issue FAQs (frequently asked questions) soon to clear the air," the top home ministry official told ET as the embassies have been inundated with complaints due to lack of clarity on the issue.

The official told the financial daily the home ministry has scrapped its earlier order that said all PIOs must convert their cards to OCI within three months and the deadline of April 9 has been extended indefinitely.

ET reported that the Indian embassy in France first issued an order saying that with effect from April 8 it is mandatory to replace PIO cards with OCI cards. But it has now modified this saying, "it has now been decided by the Ministry of Home Affairs that PIO will be valid beyond April 8 till further instructions, but PIO holders should apply for OCI cards in lieu of PIO cards.”

(Image: Reuters)