Embassy of India

Doha

Advisory – Deadline for Conversion of PIO Cards into OCI Cards

1.      Consequent upon discontinuation of PIO cards, all PIO card holders are required to apply for OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards, in lieu of their existing valid PIO Cards. Govt of India has given the deadline of 30 June, 2017 for conversion of valid PIO cards into OCI Cards.

2.      Procedure for applying for OCI card in lieu of PIO card is as mentioned below:-

Ø   ONLINE APPLICATION [OCI IN LIEU OF PIO] TO BE FILLED UP AT:      https://passport.gov.in/oci/

Ø  ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS (SELF ATTESTED), PHOTO AND SIGNATURE ARE TO BE UPLOADED WHILE FILLING THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM (MANDATORY)

Ø   PRINT THE FORM, PASTE PHOTO, SIGN, AND SUBMIT TO EMBASSY [0900-1215 HRS, ON ALL WORKING DAYS] WITH THE FOLLOWING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:-

·         COPY OF PRESENT PASSPORT AND QATARI ID

·         COPY OF VALID PIO CARD

Ø  FEE  -       THIS SERVICE IS RENDERED ON GRATIS BASIS (NO FEE)

3.      Some of the major benefits of the OCI card holders are as follows:-

(a)     Multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa to visit India;

(b)     Exemption from reporting to Police authorities for any length of stay in India; and

(c)     Parity with NRIs in financial, economic and educational fields except in the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.

4.      In view of the above, all holders of valid PIO cards, who had not applied for OCI cards in lieu are advised to submit their applications, as per the details mentioned above, at the earliest, before the promulgated deadline [30 June, 2017].

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