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OCI in lieu of PIO Card

 In terms of the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 9th January 2015, all the existing PIO Cardholders as on 9 January 2015 shall be deemed to be OCI Cardholders. The date for submission of applications for registration as OCI cardholder in lieu of PIO card online has been extended till  30th June 2017. This cut-off date will be only for submission of the applications online by the applicants.

All persons having valid PIO cards as on 9th January 2015 are advised to apply for registration as OCI Cardholder in view of the following advantages in processing as OCI card:

(a) OCI card is a smart card;

(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.

Procedure:

  • One can apply for OCI card in lieu of valid PIO card free of any charges. However the applicant will have to pay a small service charges of Kwacha 1100/-.

  • The applicants may submit the applications for OCI card in lieu of PIO card to the Indian Mission/FRRO concerned within the jurisdiction of his/her place of residence.

  • Until applicants are in receipt of an OCI card issued in lieu of PIO card, they could travel to India with their valid foreign passport and valid PIO Card.