Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday promised People of Indian Origin (PIOs) lifelong visas.
Addressing Indian Americans at the Madison Square Garden here, Prime Minister Modi said, "PIO card holders have a lot of visa issues. To combat that, we have decided they will get life-long visas. Further, the PIO and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) schemes will be combined."
"Long-term tourist visas will be introduced for U.S. citizens and American tourists will now be able to avail the facility of 'visa on arrival' scheme.
Further, foreign nationals who stay in India for a long period had to previously report to police stations. They will not have to do so now," he added.
Prime Minister Modi also announced that the upcoming 'Pravasi Bharatiya Divas', which is celebrated on January 9 every year, will be held in Ahmedabad in 2015.
"Mahatma Gandhi was an expatriate, who returned to India. The year 2015 will mark 100 years of that event. Thus, we have decided that the 'Pravasi Bharatiya Divas' will be held in Ahmedabad," he said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app