Deadline to obtain ‘Overseas Citizens of India’ card extended to June 30

Muscat: Government of India has decided to extend the deadline for conversion of Person of Indian Origin card to Overseas Citizens of India card up to June 30 2017, free of charge.
A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card allows visa free travel and entitles the card holder to several benefits.
Whereas an Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) is a multiple entry life-long visa which enables the holder to have unlimited travel and stay in India.
The procedure for filling the application online for conversion of PIO card to OCI Card has been posted at the Embassy’s website under ‘Consular Services’.
Only copies of valid passport and a valid PIO Card of the applicant are to be produced by those who wish to convert their PIO cards to OCI.
OCI card holders will enjoy all rights and privileges available to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in financial, economic and educational fields except in the acquisition of plantation properties. There would be no visa requirement for travel to India and they would have to carry their existing passport along with the registration certificate.
They will also not be required to register with the FRRO/Police authorities for any length of stay in India.
Consular Wing of the Mission can be contacted at 24684585/24684588 or on email [email protected] for further queries.