Vide Gazette Notification No. 26011/01/2014IC.I dated 09 January 2015, the PIO Card Scheme was withdrawn. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has mandated use of machine readable electronic travel documents for travel w.e.f. 1 October, 2018. Therefore, it is mandatory for all PIO Card holders to obtain electronic machine readable OCI Cards in lieu of their valid handwritten PIO Cards. However, the Indian Immigration Authorities will continue to recognize valid PIO Cards for entry/exit into/from India till December 31, 2022, along with foreign passport.
This extension of timeline is subject to the condition that if in the meantime any deadline is notified by the ICAO thereby making hand written PIO cards invalid, then PIO cardholders may have to obtain appropriate visa from the Indian Missions/Posts.
PIO Card holders were advised time and again to convert PIO Card to OCI Card and the last date of application for conversion of valid PIO card to OCI card on gratis basis was 31 December 2017. Remaining PIO Card holders are advised to immediately apply online for conversion at https://ociservices.gov.in/. This should be followed by the procedure for submission of printed application and requisite documents including passport, specified photos, documentation, fees etc at the High Commission of India, Lusaka for issue of OCI card in lieu of PIO card.
