NRGs urged to get PIO or OCI status
Non-resident Goans having foreign passports ergo, foreign citizenship, have been advised by the NRI Commissioner Eduardo Faleiro, to apply at the earliest for a Person of Indian origin (PIO) or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. Actually, quite a number of foreign citizens of Goan origin have already opted for this facility. They can then stay in this country for 15 years of 30 years respectively without any need for a visa. These cards are renewable.
If you do not have a PIO or an OCI card, Non-Resident Goans (NRGs)with foreign passports can still stay in the country for long periods. The Union Home Ministry has agreed to grant long-term renewable visas to NRGs.
Presently NRGs are issued tourist visas when they want to come to Goa from their country of residence. These are generally 3 to 6-month visas issued by some Indian embassies and High Commissions abroad.
The problem gets sticky when NRGs have to stay on for litigation or family crises. NRI Commissioner Eduardo Faleiro reportedly wrote a letter to the Union Home Minister explaining that NRGs opted for foreign passports for employment only and now wish to return and spend the rest of their lives in India.
Earlier they used to be issued long-term visas but with the terror threat and tightening of security, recently they were being issued short term visas.
The procedure for getting a PIO or OCI card is detailed on the website: www.globalgoans.org.in
Info source: http://www.targetgoa.com/newsd-NRGs-urged-to-get-PIO-or-OCI-status-864 Forwarded by Goan Cultural Centre-Kuwait [email protected] http://goanculturalcentrekuwait.blogspot.com
