JVIRAHYAS@GMAIL.

COM
PERSONS OF INDIAN ORIGIN
There had been a tremendous amount of pressure from Indians of foreign nationality (Foreign nationals of Indian origin) for India to permit dual nationality. This was to enable them to come into India without the need of visas and to invest. In 1999, the government launched a scheme for persons of Indian Origin (PIO) called the PIO card scheme. Persons of Indian origin are defined as those whose parents, grandparents or great grandparents (fourth generation) were citizens of undivided India and are now citizen of another country. Those who are Pakistanis or Bangladeshis will not be eligible. Under the Scheme PIOs would be issued to eligible applicants, through the concerned Indian embassies/high commission and consulates and for those staying on a long term basis (on a long term visa). The fee for the card which has a validity of 15 years (subject to validity of passport) is US $ 310 for adults and $155 for children. Besides making their journey easier, simpler and smoother the scheme entitles PIOs a wide range of economic, financial, educational and cultural benefits. The benefits envisaged are: (a) No requirement of visa to visit India.

(b) No requirement to register with the foreigners registration officer if continues stay does not exceed 180 days. If continuous stay does exceed 180 days, then registration is required within 30 days of expiry of 180 days. (c) A PIO card holder enjoys parity with NRIs in respect of all facilities available to the latter in the economic financial and educational field. These include: (a) (b) (c) (d) acquisition, holding etc. of immovable property admission of children under NRI quota various housing scheme of the LIC all future benefits to NRIs will go to PIOs also.

However, PIOs will have restrictions relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties. PIOs will have no parity in the sphere of political rights. PIO cards can also be issued by an officer in an Indian Mission notified for the purpose or the joint secretary, Ministry of Home affairs or the Foreigners Regional

Registration Officer, New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta or the chief Immigration Officer, Chennai. PIO cards can by order cancelled if: (1) The PIO card was obtained by fraud, fable representation or the concealment of any material fact or (2) The PIO card holder has shown himself by act it to be is affected towards the consultation of India. (3) The PIO is a citizen of a country in war with India or a country assisting a country in war with India. (4) The PIO card holder has been sentenced in India for indulging in acts of terrorism, smuggling of narcotics, arms etc. or sentenced for commuting an act punishable with imprisonment up to one year. (5) It is not conducive in the public interest that the individual should have a PIO card.