New OCI & PIO Merge Start date?

[everfor]

I am about to apply my oci, but i heard the OCI & PIO merger has happened but i am not seeing any info on high comission website i.e https://www.hcilondon.in/oci.html.

As i am applying for OCI, Will it make any difference whether it's new merger process or old one?

KIndly suggest??

[ban.s]

OCI and PIO are still separate routes though PIO validity and police registration requirements have been removed.

[ban.s]

Update - PIO route has now been closed

https://www.hcilondon.in/pio.html

[quantumscience]

Thanks ban.s

I was about to apply for misc service to update my renewed passport number into my PIO card.
Now I will directly apply for OCI card then.
I know I can still carry this PIO card and not have to apply for OIC card, but I think when dealing with govt. authorities it is better to get the OCI card than carry around a discontinued program card.

My question is this: I heard the govt will merge these cards into a new OIC card (Overseas Indian card).
So should I wait for that new card to come through, or OCI card is the one to apply?

Cheers.

[ban.s]

I "believe" OIC will be launched at some point subject to the formal sign off of the Citizenship Amendment Act(2014) that has been introduced in lokshabha in Dec 2014.

The recent ordinance formally made PIO equivalent with OCI and I was hoping both these route would be continuing until the new citizenship act is passed.

[quantumscience]

OK thanks ban.s.

So you mean the NEW OIC program is still a valid one to come through - although in near future.

In that case, i suppose there is no point applying (or converting from PIO card into) the existing OCI card now.
Do you agree?

It would have been a help if the HCI did actually suggested this to people who hold PIO cards now - i.e. advise them not apply for OCI right now (but their website link in PIO card section looks like they suggest that existing PIO card holders who want to update their new passport number etc (misc. services) to actually now apply for OCI card).

What is the point of converting to OCI now (from PIO), if there is a change of a new OIC card in near future

Cheers.

[ban.s]

ok, I read The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2014 once again and it seems my previous belief was not correct. Though some of the earlier reports and proposals mentioned about OIC but the actual bill has no such reference - OCI is likely to be the continued as merged route.

[quantumscience]

Thanks ban.s.

Given that detail, I will apply for the converting to OCI visa now.
Their PIO page web site says that i could simply apply for the OCI card by using the OCI Msic. services process.
But the main OCI page says the entire standard OCI application procedure is to be followed even for converting from PIO to OCI (only the fees seems to be less).
Do you think my understanding as above is correct? - i,e I have to submit Form -A, form B, with Indian surrender certificate, Indian birth certificates, PIO card, etc etc. Goodness me!

Please advise.

Cheers.