The Conversion of PIO Card to OCI Card Extended to 31st December 2016

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September 12, 2016
Inauguration of Cultural Centre for the Indian Diaspora in New Delhi
October 6, 2016

Press Release

PIO Cards were issued to Persons of Indian Origin who are foreign citizens. The PIO Card is for those whose parents, grandparents or greatgrandparents were born in India or whose spouse is a citizen of India or a PIO. The PIO Card holder does not require a visa to visit India for a period of 15 years from the date of issue. The government of India had announced the conversion of the PIO Card to OCI Card which comes with added benefits. 

OCI Card holders are entitled to a multipurpose, multiple entry, lifelong visa allowing them to visit India at any time, for any length of time and for any purpose. They are exempted from police reporting for any length of stay in the country. They are also granted all rights in the economic, financial and education fields in parity with NRIs (non-residential Indians).

The last date for submission of application by PIO Card holders for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card holder has now been extended to 31.12.2016.

GOPIO requests all PIO Card holders who have not applied for the conversion of PIO Card to OCI Card to fill-up the OCI online application form (https://passport.gov.in/oci), and submit the application at the High Commission of India before or by 31.12.2016. A photograph (size 2×2 white background), signature and copy of Malaysian passport and PIO Card (first and last page) have to be uploaded with the application.

Applications are being accepted at High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur, Level 28, Menara 1 MK, No. 1, Jalan Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur between 9.30am-12.00noon (Monday-Friday). Original and hard copy of the Malaysian passport and PIO Card should be brought along for verification with the printout of the filled up online application form.

The PIO Card will no longer be valid after the 31st December 2016 deadline. People of Indian Origin can call 016-2217061 (Madam Dolly) or 012-4442124 (Ms Yogeswary) for enquiries.

Dato’ James Naidu
Vice President,
GOPIO Malaysia.