Indians need visa for India? New deadline changes regulations

Image source: news.rediff.com/commentary/2016

The Indian Ambassador in the UAE has set a new deadline for the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card to July 1, stating that PIO card holders will not be allowed to enter India after this time without a valid visa. The new regulation requires PIO card holders to convert their documents to the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card.

The new rule is for Indians who are currently working or living in the United Arab Emirates and wish to return home. The PIO card was initially issued with a 10-year validity, but the dramatic influx of Indians working in the Middle East, and the number of pending applications, have forced the Indian government to upgrade the granting of visa to the OCI card, which has a lifetime validity.

Image source: gulfnews.com

Indians currently living in the Middle East are urged to apply for their OCI card now, as the processing time for this may take a few weeks and will be issued in New Delhi. The actual application process and requirements are quite simple: the applicant simply has to show his or her existing PIO card along with a valid passport. The Indian Consulate in Dubai has stated that they will allow the conversion of PIO cards to OCI at no cost.

It has not been stated what the visa requirements would be if citizens do not reach the July 1 deadline.

Cox and Kings Global Services helps clients with all procedures involving visa and passport applications. Their particular area of expertise involves the many consulates in India. Learn more about its services by following this Twitter account.