A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) is literally, simply a person of Indian origin who is not a citizen of India. India passed a law to grant dual citizenship to the People of Indian Origin (PIO) on December 22, 2003. The law received the President's approval on January 7, 2004, and became operational from 2nd December 2005. The law will help grant dual citizenship to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) belonging to, or having citizenship of other countries subject to certain conditions. The grant of dual citizenship was intended to remove obstacles for travel to and from India for those holding foreign passports. It facilitates investment in business ventures and helps foster a sense of belonging.

A foreign national, who was eligible to become citizen of India on 26.01.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at any time after 26.01.1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947 such as Sikkim, Pondicherry, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Goa, Daman and Diu and his / her children and grand children, provided his / her country of citizenship allows dual citizenship in some form or the other under the local laws, is eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Minor children of such persons are also eligible for OCI. However, if the applicant had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he / she will not be eligible for OCI. A person registered as OCI is eligible to apply for grant of Indian citizenship under section 5(1) (g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955 if he / she is registered as OCI for five years and has been residing in India for one year out of the five years before making the application.

For Further details on PIO / OCI Act, please refer to The Reserve Bank of India website.(www.rbi.org.in)