ID :
156445
Sun, 01/09/2011 - 09:24
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/156445
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PM announces merging of OCI, PIO cards
New Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh Saturday announced merging of the Overseas Citizen of
India (OCI)and the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cards into a
single facility to simplify visa-free entry and participation
of Indian diaspora in business and other activities here.
Singh also said that the government had decided to
extend the facility of the Indian Community Welfare Fund to
all the Indian Missions from the current 42.
Hailing the Indian diaspora, he pointed out that the
Government had introduced the OCI and PIO cards to facilitate
visa-free travel of NRIs and Indian Origin people to India as
well as to provide them rights of residency and participation
in business and educational activities.
"We have reviewed the functioning of these schemes, and
have decided to merge the OCI and PIO cards into a single
facility. We hope to iron out some of the problems that have
arisen in the implementation of these schemes," he said
addressing the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or Indian diaspora
day here.
In a bid to encourage PIOs (Indians who have shifted
migrated permanently to other countries over centuries) to
visit and invest in India, such people were given PIO cards.
A PIO card holder does not require a visa to visit India
and the card is valid for 15 years. A PIO card holder enjoys
several economic and educational benefits.
On the other hand, the OCI card is a kind of lifelong
visa and any India origin person can apply for it if his host
country allows dual citizenship.
Talking about the Indians who emigrate for work, Singh
said their welfare is "a matter of special concern for us".
To improve the conditions for migration, India has signed
Social Security Agreements with 12 countries and finalised
Labour Mobility Partnerships with two others, he said, adding
a generic arrangement is also being negotiated with the
European Union also.
"As a further measure, we have now extended the facility
of the Indian Community Welfare Fund to all Indian Missions,"
he said. At present, such funds are available in 42 Missions.
Singh said the government has decided to establish new
Indian cultural centres in the US, Canada, Saudi Arabia,
France and Australia.
"I urge the Indian communities in these countries to
support and patronise these centres so that they become
effective instruments for projecting the diversity and
splendour of Indian culture," the Prime Minister said. (MORE)
PTI
Singh Saturday announced merging of the Overseas Citizen of
India (OCI)and the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cards into a
single facility to simplify visa-free entry and participation
of Indian diaspora in business and other activities here.
Singh also said that the government had decided to
extend the facility of the Indian Community Welfare Fund to
all the Indian Missions from the current 42.
Hailing the Indian diaspora, he pointed out that the
Government had introduced the OCI and PIO cards to facilitate
visa-free travel of NRIs and Indian Origin people to India as
well as to provide them rights of residency and participation
in business and educational activities.
"We have reviewed the functioning of these schemes, and
have decided to merge the OCI and PIO cards into a single
facility. We hope to iron out some of the problems that have
arisen in the implementation of these schemes," he said
addressing the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or Indian diaspora
day here.
In a bid to encourage PIOs (Indians who have shifted
migrated permanently to other countries over centuries) to
visit and invest in India, such people were given PIO cards.
A PIO card holder does not require a visa to visit India
and the card is valid for 15 years. A PIO card holder enjoys
several economic and educational benefits.
On the other hand, the OCI card is a kind of lifelong
visa and any India origin person can apply for it if his host
country allows dual citizenship.
Talking about the Indians who emigrate for work, Singh
said their welfare is "a matter of special concern for us".
To improve the conditions for migration, India has signed
Social Security Agreements with 12 countries and finalised
Labour Mobility Partnerships with two others, he said, adding
a generic arrangement is also being negotiated with the
European Union also.
"As a further measure, we have now extended the facility
of the Indian Community Welfare Fund to all Indian Missions,"
he said. At present, such funds are available in 42 Missions.
Singh said the government has decided to establish new
Indian cultural centres in the US, Canada, Saudi Arabia,
France and Australia.
"I urge the Indian communities in these countries to
support and patronise these centres so that they become
effective instruments for projecting the diversity and
splendour of Indian culture," the Prime Minister said. (MORE)
PTI
