The merger of the PIO and OCI cards, promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his US trip, is meant to make travel to India easier for expats. (Picture credit: Thinkstock)
The Union Cabinet is likely to consider the issue of merger of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) schemes on Wednesday, to facilitate hassle-free travel for the Indian diaspora, following up on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement during his US visit.
In his address at the Madison Square Garden in New York, Modi had announced that his government would merge the PIO and OCI cards to simplify the Indian diaspora's travel to India.
Sources said the issue may figure in the cabinet on Wednesday.
A PIO card holder does not require a visa to visit India and the card is valid for 15 years. A PIO card holder enjoys several economic and educational benefits.
On the other hand, the OCI card is a kind of lifelong visa and any Indian-origin person can apply for it if his host country allows dual citizenship.
There have been demands by overseas Indians for hassle-free travel by them to India.