Tag Archives: pio

Study India Programme (SIP) for NRIs and PIOs

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Study India Programme (SIP) for Non-Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin

The Study India Programme (SIP) is sponsored by the Government of India – The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. The program invites the youth of Indian diaspora living abroad. Think of it as a summer school course in an Indian University, a lot different social experience compared to America or Europe.  The foreign citizens of Indian origin in the age-group of 18-26 years can apply and qualify for the short term courses that familiarize them with the Indian art, culture, heritage, history, emerging economy and overall development of India. Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs websites states, “Such short term courses shall aim at providing an opportunity to the overseas Indian youth to better understand and appreciate contemporary India, foster closer ties with the land of their ancestors and enhance their engagement with India.” Continue reading →

Indian diaspora info – all you need to know!

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Sometimes, the answer is right under your nose. Sometimes, actually most of the times, it is better to eliminate the middleman and go straight to source. This post is intended to lead the horse to the water; drink or not, is up to the horse!

Non Resident Indians, the NRIs – home or abroad – always have so many questions about the rules and regulations that apply to them. Quite often, they start by calling some lawyers – the lawyers that are always bombarding the NRIs with their monotone commercial during Indian TV shows – the middlemen!!

If you visit the Nation Portal of India website and go to the Indian Diaspora section, you can most likely find the answer to most of your questions – right there, under your nose!

The questions like:

# Can NRIs and PIOs open an account with Indian banks?
# Is registration of NRI marriages compulsory in India?
# What is the fee for applying for PIO card and OCI card?
# Is there a limit to the number of investments for acquiring commercial properties in India?
# How can an NRI or PIO adopt a child in India?
# What is meant by OCB?
# What are the investment options for NRIs in India?

To introduce you to the website directly, rather than cutting and pasting the answers here – you know, horse and water – use the direct links below for accessing the related info! Pick your own dish – all you can eat, for free!! Continue reading →

PIO Card – Eligibility, benefits and how to apply for a PIO Card

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Persons of Indian Origin Card (PIO Card) is a form of identification issued to a Person of Indian Origin who holds a passport in another country.

PIO Card Eligibility
PIO card can be issues to a “PIO”- ‘Person of Indian Origin’.
According to the official definition, PIO is a foreign Citizen – excluding a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries as may be specified by the Government of India from time to time – if,

  • He/she at any time held an Indian Passport; or
  • He/she or either of his/her parents or grand parents or great grand parents was born in and permanently resident in India, or
  • He/she is a spouse of a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin

The PIO Card can be issued to those foreign citizens who meet the conditions mentioned above.

Benefits of PIO Card:
The main benefits of PIO Card are: