Govt in a fix over applications of live-in partners for OCI cards

NEW DELHI: Applications of live-in partners of Indian origin people for Overseas Citizen of India ( OCI) cards have put the government in a fix as the facility is offered only to spouse.

"We have received several applications from live-in partners of Indian origin people. We have not yet decided what to do as the rules allows OCI cards to be issued only to spouse," a senior Home Ministry officials.

In one or two initial cases, the applicants have moved the court after denial of the facility.

The Home Ministry is now examining the relevant rules and mulling what to do with such applications of live-in partners.

"The rules are clear that OCI cards can be issued only to spouse of an Indian origin people even if the spouse does not have any root in India. There is no mention of live-in partners. Besides, so far there is no rules regarding the children of such live-in couple," the official said.

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.

Government yesterday extended the last date for applying for conversion of PIO cards to OCI cards to June 30 from March 31.