Pio Oci

Centre notifies changes to Citizenship Rules; focus on OCI registration

The Union Home Ministry on Thursday notified changes to the Citizenship Rules, 2009, introducing a digital shift across various processes for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and citizenship applications. In a gazette notification published on Thursday, the government has added a specific proviso for citizenship applicants involving children that "the minor child cannot at any time hold the passport of any other country while also holding the Indian passport". The Citizenship Rules, 2009, allowed a person to submit an application for the registration of the birth of his minor child born outside India to the Indian consulate in the country where the child was born, together with a declaration that the child does not hold a passport of any other country. The changes, known as the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026, introduce a slew of online initiatives for OCI cardholders, including a digital application and renunciation process. All applications for card registration an

NRIs in California can get faster passport, OCI services with new LA centre

The Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) in Los Angeles became operational on December 15 and will provide a range of consular services to the diaspora community in the region.

AIFF studying feasibility of allowing PIO footballers in national teams

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Monday formed a task force to conduct a feasibility study of allowing Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) to play in the country's national teams. Under the existing law of the land, PIOs and OCIs are not allowed to represent the country in international sporting events unless they adopt Indian citizenship. The task force, constituted by AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, will evaluate the PIO and OCI footballers playing at a higher level and the status of youth players. The task force, which will submit its report by January 31 next year, will be chaired by Punjab Football Association president Samir Thapar. Chaubey will name the other members of the task force after consultations with the chairman and the Executive Committee of the AIFF. "The Task Force's primary objective will be to collect data on footballers who are either Overseas Citizens of India or Persons of Indian Origin. It is a matter of great prid

Govt eases entry restrictions for overseas Indians, business visitors

Move will not have much impact on flight and hotel occupancies as curbs continue on leisure travel

Coronavirus: Over 50,000 Indians, PIOs stuck in China as govt denies entry

Many are stranded in transit; even OCI cardholders are being denied entry into the country

Government stops free conversion of PIO cards to OCI cards in New Year

The deadline will not be extended further as the bulk of people - around 30 lakh - have already converted their PIO cards into OCI cards, says

Convert PIO cards to OCI cards: PM to overseas Indians

Deadline for these card conversions has been extended from December 31, 2016 to June 30, 2017