Singapore citizens of Indian Origin

PIO scheme canceled. PIO cards now convert to OCI

As of January 9, 2015. PIO card scheme has been withdrawn by the Government of India. All existing PIO cards will be now deemed to be OCI. A large number of Singapore citizens may have some link to India by way of family links in India. Such Singaporeans fit the meaning of being a person of Indian origin and can if they prefer avail several benefits when it comes to visiting or investing in India. While foreigners are restricted from purchasing property in India without permission from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), foreigners of Indian origin can purchase property in India without RBI approval as general permission from RBI allows foreigners of Indian origin to purchase residential and commercial property in India*. *RBI General permission does not apply for purchase of agricultural land/plantation property or a farm house in India. There may be many second/third generation Singaporeans who may not be aware that they may qualify as persons of Indian origin. Let’s discuss what is meant by a person of Indian origin and what benefits are available in India to such Singaporeans.

Person of Indian Origin

Regardless of their citizenship, foreigners of Indian origin are allowed some privileges by the government of India. For example, whereas foreigners cannot open bank accounts in India or invest in property without prior permission from the Reserve bank of India. Persons of Indian origin can do so without any prior approval. Persons of Indian origin are also allowed to apply for the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card by the government of India. A PIO card confers the following privileges: 1. Multiple entries, multiple purpose life- long visa to visit India. 2. No requirement to register with the Foreigners Registration Office (FRRO) Regardless of the length of stay in India. 3. Parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of facilities available to the latter in economic, financial, educational and other fields except in the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties. 4. No separate Student/ Employment /Business visa will be required for admission in colleges/institutions or taking up employment, business etc. in India. 5. PIO Card can be used as identity proof for applying for a PAN card, driving license and opening of Bank account in India, if the PIO card holder resides in India. Kindly note: While PIO card holders are allowed unlimited visits to India with the need of any other visa, there are some restrictions: • PIO card holders are restricted from carrying on any missionary, mountaineering and research work in India. • They cannot visit areas that are classified as restricted/protected without prior permission of the relevant authorities in India. • PIO card holders cannot vote and have no political rights in India.

Who is considered to be a Person of Indian Origin?

Here are some examples: • Any person who previously held an Indian passport prior to acquiring foreign citizenship. o There is an exception here that current or former citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are not eligible to be considered for Person of Indian origin status. • A person whose parents or grandparents or great grandparents were born in and permanently resident in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935 and other territories that became part of India thereafter provided neither was at any time a citizen of any of the following countries: o Afghanistan o Bangladesh o Bhutan o China o Nepal o Pakistan o Sri Lanka • A spouse of a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin. • Iranian nationals of Indian Origin can seek PIO card subject to the approval of India’s Ministry of Home Affairs.

Applying for PIO Card in Singapore

An application for a PIO card by persons of Indian origin can be made on the prescribed form in the country where applicants reside. The application form, along with the required documents and applicable fee is submitted to the appropriate Indian consulate for processing.

PIO Card Fee Singapore dollars:

• Adult 500/- • Minor 250/- • If applicant is a non- Singaporean, then additional fees 20 dollars applies. Time for processing is approximately 5 to 7 working days but can vary significantly on a case to case basis usually due to lack of acceptable documents. The form is available free of charge at the Consular Wing of the High Commission of India (Click for Sample form) or its designated Passport Application Centres. The High Commission of India in Singapore also has a link to download the application form as well as complete information on the documents required.

Approval of Application – PIO Card Issue

Once application is approved, applicants are given a registration certificate in the form of a PIO booklet. This booklet contains details of your passport and must be carried when travelling to India along with your passport. In case at some point of time, a new passport is obtained, PIO card holders should get the new passport endorsed to show the PIO card status. This service is currently free at Indian High Commissions. If unable to get endorsement on your new passport, then both the old and new passports should be carried when travelling to India.