We are your regular readers for over 30 years. Your newspapers have always been very helpful in projecting problems faced by our community. Today I would like to mention about Person of Indian Origin cards issued by gov't. of India. There are rumours going round that the lifetime PIO issued and the hand written ones will be not valid now. There is a lot of confusion on the subject. Gov't of India website says PIOs issued for life long validity can be used with old passport together with new passport. And as far as I know there is no notification cancelling PIO cards.
The Indian High Commission is also not giving straight answers. When asked to clarify on the matter they just say that the PIO scheme is not available even though I am seeking clarification on the existing cards that have already been issued.
I have read in your papers about free conversion of PIO to OCI and that the dates have been extended couple of times but this we thought is for 15 year PIO cards. This also was not a free service and it cost nearly £25 iin service fee for VFS postage, new photographs and for those who are at work then a day off for every member of your family if they wanted the OCI card. The procedure of application is also very difficult for old people as some don't have internet. I have spoken to so many about this application process and the difficulties they have encountered Even youngsters who are good at computers find it difficult to use the VFS site some time it takes 2 to 3 hours getting through.
I would like your good office to help people on this matter by asking the Indian government to change all PIO cards free of charge and if necessary start a petition.
Ghanshyam Khambhaita
By email
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Please rest assured we are looking into this very important issue and will report on the progress in forthcoming weeks.
AV
