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The year 2016 was full of upheavals. India announced surgical attack on corruption. The sudden announcement of banning currency notes of 500 and 1000 felt no ground under the feet of every Indian. These denominations configured 86% of the liquid asset in this economy. But this declamation on 8th November, 2016 ceased its liquidity. NRIs, PIOs and OCIs are no exceptions. They too fell under this grid.
Difference between PIO & OCI:
PIO or Person of Origin is the migrants who can travel across India an uncountable number of times. It permits hassle-free work and stay in this country if the person wants to live for more than 180 days. It was first introduced on 15 years ago in 2002. But in November 2014, this service was ceased.
OCI or Overseas Citizen of India card acts as the lifetime visa. It provides more benefits than that of PIO card. This scheme was launched in August, 2005.
Now, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has decided to merge PIO to OCI card. This news came into spotlight in 2014. Thence, the government has twice fixed its date of conversion. Now, it would be third time when the date of merger has been extended.
Good News for Migrants
Now, the first phase of this surgical attack is getting over on 30th December 2016. The limit of 50 days for currency conversion from the local financial entities is ended. After such a big jolt, the prime minster has provided a reason to smile and cheer to emigrants.
Amid prevailing grudge after demonetization, the current Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi is trying to win their heart on the eve of New Year. The Centre has extended the date of converting PIO card into OCI card. It’s not the first time but the third time when extension is announced.
Erstwhile, it was 31st December 2016.
New Date for Registering Conversion of PIO card
Wondering till when is it extended? The External Affairs Minister has set 30th June 2017 as the last date for registering merging of PIO card. The competent authorities, including FRRO, Bureau of Immigration, Posts and Indian Mission, have been following this announcement.
Is there any change in conversion process?
No, the conversion process shall remain the same. The applicants can visit the official government website. Alternatively, the outsourcers like S2NRI, can do it in short interval. After deploying the outsourcer, the applicant needs to scan and dispatch his/her credentials of identity and address. The rest of the work would be of the assigned entity. Within said period, the document is delivered to the applicant.
But beware of the fraudulent. Defaulters can use the needy as the source of doing fraud. So, scrutinize the authority before assigning for immigration related work.
