The Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced at a press conference on June 19, 2016 that the deadline for the conversion of PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cardholders to OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) would be extended to December 2016. This extension has been granted to give more time to PIO card holders to submit their applications for registration as an OCI card holder. However, the Minister Swaraj stated that she would like to see the process completed by the end of the year.
The deadline for the conversion of PIO to OCI has been extended many times since it was implemented in January 2015. PIO cardholders are well advised to submit their applications for PIO to OCI conversions. Applicants should submit their 'PIO in lieu of OCI' applications at their local FRRO office or the overseas mission or consulate of jurisdiction. In the meantime, PIO card holders can continue to use their valid PIO cards.
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