It’s really interesting to know that around 30+ million Indians live abroad. Out of them, 17,835,407 expats are PIOs whereas 13,008,012 form non-residents’ diaspora, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

31^st December 2017- Last date for PIO to OCI Conversion:

The PIO concept is fading out of the immigration mirror. The Modi-led Indian government had announced for the merger of PIO cards into OCIs in 2014. While taking the benefits of latter card into account, the government introduced this change.  This decision was composed to dispel the confusion over the usage of both cards.

PIO or Person of Indian Origin Card was launched in 2005 with its validity timeline of 15 years. Its holders could travel, work and even reside in India till the end of 15 years.

On the flip side, OCI or Overseas Citizen of India Card came with great package of benefits & value additions for the expats of Indian origin. Their travel across Indian Territory would be valid till lifetime. No specific visa would need to be taken for meaningful visit, like gaining education or professional training. The benefits of this card are far more than that of former card. This is why PIO to OCI conversion is made mandatory.

This is the 4^th time when Indian PM extended the due date for the conversion of the PIO card. There are many Indians who serve their duties in Israel, China, Malaysia and many other countries. Their responsibilities regarding job and other factors cause delays in this conversion. This is why the due date is extended so that the expats from India can get it converted during the extended period.

Allowed OCI Students to Take Admission in Medical:  

The conversion of PIOs into OCIs will definitely be a silver lining for the NRI aspirants who want to take admission in the medical field.  Recently, the Karnataka High Court granted admission of the OCI students to the undergraduate medical and dental courses. This permission is valid for those who have been appeared and cleared the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). They are permitted to take admission in any deem university under the management quota.

What did the court announce regarding admission of OCI students?

• Such expats would be eligible to take admission in any deemed university under the management quota.
• The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) would notify all the OCI students regarding this order of the court. He would also convey the on-going second round of the admission counseling for the MBBS and BDS courses.
• OCI students will be entitled to take admissions in all quotas, including management, government and NRI. This is declaimed in the interim order of the Bench that comprised the Medical Council of India.
• The quota for the OCI students would be extended to all India quota medical seats in the state-run medical colleges.
• Under Citizenship Act, overseas citizens would have no bar in law to take admission in the deemed varsities. This act delivers them the right to take exam of all-India pre-medical test or any other test for the persuasion of career in any other field.

These interim orders have given a lease of life to the NRI students who want to catch up their career in medical field. They can apply for the OCI card in India or file a petition for the conversion of PIO card (if they have) to shape up their career in India. Once acquired this card, they would be able to grab its leverages lifelong.