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In my opinion, the primary differences between PIO and OCI cardholders are the duration of their stay in India and the rights and privileges they receive based on their status. Neither of them can vote in the Indian election, nor do they hold any government job positions in India, such as participating in Indian elections as a leader.
The PIO card is merged with the OCI card, so there is no need to discuss their differences. With this merger, a PIO cardholders get all the benefits like OCI cardholders after the conversion. For instance, they can stay in the country for more than 180 days without registering themselves with FRRO, have parity with NRIs in fields like economic, financial, and education. Also, they can invest in Indian properties and do not need to renew their card, as OCI cards are valid for a lifetime.
A PIO card provides visa-free travel to and from India; however, it is valid for only 15 years. Also, if a PIO cardholder wants to stay in India for more than 180 days on a single visit, he/she need to register themselves with FRRO within 30 days before the expiry of 180 days. Unlike PIO, OCI cards offer lifelong visa-free travel to and from India to the cardholders and do not require any registration with the FRRO, regardless of the duration of stay in India. Apart from this, OCI cardholders get parity with NRIs in the fields of education, finance, and economics. Additionally, OCI cardholders pay the same fares as local Indian residents when visiting national parks, historical sites, and taking domestic flights.
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A PIO is a person born in India before 1947 and after 1947 or born to an Indian citizen at any time. PIO denotes ethnicity. Also, a PIO can be a citizen of India or any other country except Pakistan and Bangladesh. An OCI is a person who previously had Indian citizenship but now holds citizenship of another country. Also, a person whose parents, grandparents or great-grandparents were citizens of India is considered an OCI. Apart from this, the foreign spouse and child of an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder are also considered OCI and can apply for the card.