The PIO card holders have also been exempted from police reporting during their period of stay in India, irrespective of any duration.
"A PIO card issued to an applicant shall be valid for his life time from the date of its issue provided that such applicant has a valid passport," the gazette notification issued by the Home Ministry said.
The notification made it clear that a PIO card which has been issued prior to the date of publication of the notification (September 30, 2014), shall be deemed to be valid for life time of its holder subject to the condition that such person has a valid passport.
Besides, earlier a PIO card holder was required to register himself or herself with the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Officer / Foreigners Registration Officer (FRRO/FRO) concerned if he or she stays more than 180 days in India.
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PIO Card Scheme for people of Indian origin having foreign passport was introduced by the Government on March, 30, 1999. A total 52,264 persons, till 2010 have obtained PIO cards.
PIO card is not allowed to nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and China.
The Prime Minister on Sunday had announced at the Madison Square Garden in New York that Persons of Indian Origin cardholders will get lifetime Indian visa.