Person of Indian Origin

Existing PIO Card holders

(A)    This is to inform that vide Gazette Notification no. 26011/01/2014IC.I date 09 January 2015, all PIO cards issued till 09 January 2015 are deemed to be OCI cards. The PIO card scheme has been withdrawn vide Gazette Notification No. 25024/9/2014F.I dated January 9, 2015. 

(B)    However, all persons having valid PIO cards as on 9th January 2015 are advised to apply for registration.

(C)    The date for submission of application for registration as OCI Card holder by erstwhile PIO Card holders has been extended till 31.12.2017.  No fee would be levied for the conversion of PIO into OCI Card till 31.12.2017.  Following are some of the advantages in processing as OCI card:

(a) OCI card is a smart card, with lifelong validity;

(b) Possession of an OCI card will facilitate quicker immigration clearance at the Immigration Check Posts;

(c)  It will help in obtaining various Consular Services from the Indian Missions;

(d)  For those who are resident in India, it will facilitate in availing various services in India.

A separate online application form for submission of application for registration as OCI cardholder in lieu of PIO card is available in the website https://passport.gov.in/oci/ .

Embassy of India Tashkent, Uzbekistan