PIO Card scheme has been withdrawn by the
Government of India vide its Gazette Notification No.25024/9/2014F.I dated
09.01.2015. Henceforth, PIOs are advised to get their PIO cards converted to
OCI card. In terms of Ministry Home Affairs’ Notification No.
26011/01/2014-IC.I dated 9/1/2015 all PIO cardholders having valid PIO card are
deemed to be OCI cardholders.
Please note that the Machine-Readable
electronic travel document is mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization. However,
hand-written PIO cards will be accepted as a valid document for travel to India
till 31 December 2021 by the Bureau of Immigration in India.
All PIO cardholders are requested to convert
their PIO cards to OCI at the earliest by submitting their application through
the PIO conversion link: https://ociservices.gov.in/
After the successfully completing the
registration of online OCI application and uploading the pdf copy of current
passport and PIO card, the applicants are required to submit the print-out of
the duly signed application form with one photograph, self-attested copy of
current Argentinian/Uruguayan/Paraguayan Passport and PIO card in original
along with required fee.
Note: Joint self-declaration signed by
both parents with their photographs, mobile numbers and email IDs mentioned on
it, expressing their no objection to acquire OCI card for their minor child
except in cases where parents are divorced. In case spouse
name is not mentioned on the PIO card, Marriage Certificate or cancelled Indian
Passport having spouse name is required to be submitted by the applicant.
