Conversion of PIO cards: Last date for application extended till June 30

NEW DELHI: Government today extended the last date for applying for conversion of PIO cards to OCI cards to June 30 from March 31.

Announcing the decision, the External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson tweeted, "And some good news for Diaspora on PIO/OCI Merger: The last date for applying for conversion of PIO Cards to OCI Cards is now 30 June, 2016."

The Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card was first implemented in 2002 as a benefit to foreign nationals who could establish at least a third generation tie to Indian origin. The PIO card is valid for travel, work, and residence in India for a period of 15 years.

The OCI card was implemented in 2005, carried more expansive benefits than the PIO card, and was valid for the holder's lifetime.

However, in 2014, the government decided to merge the two schemes for the benefit of NRIs.