Anyone else contending with PIO / OCI issues? Aware of any exceptions with the new rules in the event of divorce or death of spouse for those who were not born in India, parent or grandparent Indian citizens?
There is a good explanation about OCI (Overseas Citizenship Of India) vs PIO here: http://www.path2usa.com/difference-between-oci-and-pio There is on official site to register for OCI here: https://passport.gov.in/oci/ OCI-Registration (In Lieu of PIO-Card) is an online process. OCI Applicants who are having valid PIO-cards may apply from here. Only after complete successful registration, an applicant will be considered as an OCI-Card Applicant (In Lieu of PIO-Card)
Hi Cyrilexpat - many thanks for the response. However the OCI definition has changed... and now covers spouses once married for 2 years. This is briefly noted in an ordinance that came out in Jan 2015 (http://www.immigrationindia.nic.in/cont ... origin-pio). I'm trying to get hold of more details. It is specifically the impact on an existing PIO status of a 'foreign' spouse in the event of divorce / death of Indian spouse. However really do appreciate your taking the time and effort to provide the links and info!
It seems to be what I wrote in my previous post: from January 2015 PIO card holders can get OCI (instead of PIO) as per the Gazette of India.
Cyrilexpat - The query isn't about getting OCI, it is about what happens if already have a PIO / OCI and going through a divorce. My understanding is the foreign spouse is expected to relinquish the PIO / OCI however it is unclear when or if any exceptions. Some indicate must leave India within 10 days, others indicate 6 months however if a PIO have only until 31 March 2016 as PIOs are supposed to convert to OCIs.