33. Can PIO Holder work in India

Question: Hi, Recently I came across this site and it is very informative. You are doing a great service by providing valuable information free of cost. I am born Indian and got Citizenship of another country in SE Asia and holding PIO, I want to know whether I can work in India now with PIO or does the company need to apply a work visa for me. How long can I stay in India with PIO? Regards Suresh Answer: PIO Card holders can work in India and do not need a employment visa for most types of work in the private sector. You cannot work for the Government and for some special types of work such as, research work or missionary activities. Check details with your nearest Indian consulate or if in India from the FRRO. PIO cards have a validity of 15 years from the date of issue. However your foreign passport must also be valid during your stay in India. The length of time you can stay in India will depend on the validity of your passport and the PIO card. Of course if you are in India and if any of the above documents are going to expire you probably would have the option of renewing them in India, as long as you do it before their expiry date. After seven years in India PIO card holders, if they choose can apply for Citizenship of India.