Q227. PIO Card for foreign Spouse

Question: Dear Mr Chand, My mother was born in India and I myself was born in the UK, so therefore I am eligible for a PIO Card. I have been married for over two years but my marriage was abroad. I had married a British Citizen who is indian just like myself. I have not declared my marriage in the UK, so was actually wondering whether my partner can obtain a PIO card by showing our marriage certificate? Thank you Reena

Answer: Provided you get a PIO card first, your spouse should not have a problem getting a PIO card. You would of course, have to provide proof of your marriage so as to convince the authorities that the person applying for PIO card is indeed your husband. You say that you have not declared your marriage in UK. British citizens who marry abroad normally can not get a British marriage certificate as they should get a marriage certificate from the country where they married in. As a general rule, as long as your marriage is valid and legal in the country in which it took place, it is likely to be recognized in the UK.