Person of Indian Origin Vs Overseas Citizen of India

Posted on: Nov 7, 2023 | | Written by:

Person of Indian Origin Vs Overseas Citizen of India

Published on November 06, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

An Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card or a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card was originally available to Indian nationals residing abroad. You are suggested to get your international travel insurance handy.

The rights and advantages granted by the Indian government to a PIO are distinct from those granted to an OCI. OCI cardholders have wider rights and may remain in India permanently with additional perks, while PIO cardholders' rights and privileges are more restricted. PIO cardholders can only work in India; however, they must carry their international travel insurance with them.

Person of Indian Origin (PIO) - Meaning

PIO term is used to describe someone who is not an Indian citizen but can prove their Indian ancestry by birth, descent, or citizenship in India. Spouses of Indian nationals and anyone who could prove a strong tie to India by marriage, ancestry, or other means were subsequently added to the list of acceptable applicants.

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) - Meaning

Foreign citizens of Indian ancestry have the option of applying for a long-term visa as OCI. It provides various privileges to anyone who can prove their Indian ancestry by bloodlines or marriage. Spouses and the underage children of Indian citizens and OCI cardholders are included as well.

Differences Between PIO and OCI

The following chart states the PIO vs OCI:

	PIO	OCI
Citizenship	PIOs are not citizens of India and do not have that status.	The rights and privileges of OCI cards are comparable to those of Indian nationals.
Visa	PIOs are required to get visas for each trip.	Holders of OCI cards receive multiple entry visas to India, valid for life.
Property Ownership	In India, some regulations prevent PIOs from buying or selling agricultural or plantation land.	Property ownership in India is not restricted in any way for OCI cardholders.

Process for Application, Eligibility & Advantages

OCI

1. Eligibility:

Individuals born in India or those who acquired Indian citizenship on or after 26th January 1950, along with their spouses and minors, are eligible to apply for OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status.

2. Procedure for Applying:

You have two options to apply for OCI status: you can either do it through an Indian embassy or consulate or conveniently apply online. When applying, you'll typically need to provide documents like proof of your Indian heritage, evidence of your current citizenship, any marriage documents if relevant, and make sure to include the required photographs.

3. Benefits:

Businesses, real estate investments, and trading on the stock exchange are just some of the economic opportunities open to OCI cardholders in India. They are afforded the same monetary freedom as citizens of India and non-resident Indians. However, you must carry your travel insurance with you.

PIO

1. Eligibility:

Partners of Indian nationals and anyone who could prove Indian heritage back four generations were also eligible for PIO citizenship. However, the OCI scheme now incorporates the PIO card function; Therefore, new PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card applications cannot be processed.

2. Procedure for Applying:

They are not currently accepting applications by PIO card. However, if you were previously eligible for a PIO card, you now have the option to apply for an OCI card.

3. Benefits:

Investors with PIO cards may legally buy property, create bank accounts, and do business in India. It would be helpful if you carry your individual travel insurance .

Is it necessary to have travel insurance being an OCI or PIO card holder?

When travelling as a bearer of a PIO or OCI card, it is strongly advised that you get travel insurance. Travel insurance gives you extra financial security and ease of mind while you're away from home, even though PIO and OCI status come with certain advantages.

Conclusion

The PIO and OCI designations are crucial for the Indian population since they facilitate business and cultural interactions outside of India and facilitate the acceptance of individual travel insurance to the subcontinent.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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