India extends PIO card validity until December 31, 2024.

Indian Immigration authorities have extended the validity of all Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards, including handwritten ones, along with a valid foreign passport, as acceptable travel documents. The new deadline for the acceptance of PIO cards is December 31, 2024, extended from the previous deadline of December 31, 2023.

"Indian Immigration Check Post(s) will continue to consider all PIO cards valid for exit/entry into India till 31.12.2024. This extension of timeline is subject to the condition that if in the meantime, any deadline is notified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) thereby making handwritten PIO cards invalid, then PIO cardholders may have to obtain appropriate visa from Indian Missions/Posts," Consulate General of India said in a statement.

To avoid any potential complications, all PIO cardholders, whether possessing handwritten or machine-readable cards, have been advised to convert their PIO cards to OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards before the extended deadline of December 31, 2024. This measure ensures a smooth transition and compliance with the updated regulations, the statement added.

Who is eligible for PIO to OCI card conversion?
The eligibility criteria for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Registration, as outlined by the Central Government, are designed to encompass various scenarios allowing individuals with specific connections to India to apply for OCI status.


Here's a breakdown of the eligibility criteria:
1. Persons of Full Age and Capacity:

• Individuals who are citizens of another country but were citizens of India at the time of, or at any time after, the commencement of the Constitution.
• Individuals who are citizens of another country but were eligible to become citizens of India at the time of the commencement of the Constitution.
• Individuals who are citizens of another country but belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947.