Life time visa for PIO holders

[samkma]

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced a lifetime visa for holders of the Person of Indian Origin or PIO card. He also announced visas on arrival for US citizens at New York's Madison Square Garden.
Mr Modi said his government was committed to solving the problems of people of Indian origin who held different cards like the one for PIOs or then the Overseas citizen of India or OCI card, and said these schemes would soon be combined.

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/lifet ... -599196?fb

[quantumscience]

And Namo Ji has implemented it too within days . Great stuff
I am certainly happy with this quick PIO status update.

https://www.hcilondon.in/pressview.php?category_id=1171

[z18runway]

just a quick question, PIO for life time ?

means no expiry ? normally it expires in 15 years is in it. so what does that mean.

[ban.s]

(a) PIOs issued until 30 Sep 14 will deemed to be valid LIFELONG inspite of an expiry date
(b) New PIOs will be valid LIFELONG (same as OCI sticker).

[Haris2108]

I believe it's good to apply for PIO than OCI from now on till new rules for common OIC come up for the following reasons!

1. PIO and OCI both have lifetime validity n no need to report at police station
-
2. No need of stamping for PIO in passport like OCI
3 . Quick processing time which is around 3 weeks n less fee when compared to OCI, and no online appointment too like OCI , just can walk in and apply at London

[z18runway]

wonderful news , thanks for the info ''BAN.S'' and ''HARIS2108''

[ban.s]

3 . Quick processing time which is around 3 weeks n less fee when compared to OCI, and no online appointment too like OCI , just can walk in and apply at London

For an adult PIO fee is higher than OCI;
for minor, PIO fee is less than OCI

[z18runway]

Validity of the PIO Card: The PIO card will have life time validity from the date of issue subject to the validity of the passport. It is clarified that the PIO Cards already issued upto 30th September, 2014 for 15 years will also be valid for life time.

anyone who can clarify on this regarding expiry of passport ?
so does it mean that i can still use my old PIO card even when i renew passport ?

[ban.s]

No one knows for sure and your guess is same as mine.Wait until the official guidance becomes available.
I believe this change means PIO holders can travel with PIO card + old passport + new passport....same as OCI or ILR