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PIO Card scheme has been withdrawn by the Government of India vide its Gazette Notification No.25024/9/2014F.I dated 09.01.2015. Henceforth, PIOs are advised to get their PIO cards converted to OCI card. In terms of Ministry Home Affairs’ Notification No. 26011/01/2014-IC.I dated 9/1/2015 all PIO cardholders having valid PIO card are deemed to be OCI cardholders.
Please note that the Machine-Readable electronic travel document is mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization. However, hand-written PIO cards will be accepted as a valid document for travel to India till 31 December 2023 by the Bureau of Immigration in India.
All PIO cardholders are requested to convert their PIO cards to OCI at the earliest by submitting their application through the PIO conversion link: https://ociservices.gov.in/
After the successfully completing the registration of online OCI application and uploading the pdf copy of current passport and PIO card, the applicants are required to submit the print-out of the duly signed application form with one photograph, self-attested copy of current Paraguayan Passport and PIO card in original along with required fee.
Note: Joint self-declaration signed by both parents with their photographs, mobile numbers and email IDs mentioned on it, expressing their no objection to acquire OCI card for their minor child except in cases where parents are divorced. In case spouse name is not mentioned on the PIO card, Marriage Certificate or cancelled Indian Passport having spouse name is required to be submitted by the applicant.