Who are Foreigners/Persons of Indian origin (FIO)?
A foreigner is said to be a Foreigner of Indian Origin
If he/she at any time held an Indian passport; or
If he/she or either of his/her parents or grandparents or great grandparents, was born in, and was permanently resident in India, provided neither was at any time a citizen of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan or Sri Lanka or any other country that may be specified by the Government of India from time to time.
Visa applicable to a FIO
If a Foreigner of Indian Origin (FIO) intends to visit India, Entry(X-1) visa is the most appropriate category of visa. However, theymay obtain other categories of Indian visas depending on their purpose of visit.
Following categories of foreigners are eligible for X-1 Visa
Children/Spouse of Indian Citizens/Foreigners of Indian Origin (FIO)/ Overseas Citizen of Indian (OCI) card holders born in foreign countries.
French of Indian origin born in Puducherry, Mahe and Yanam.
Keep in mind!
- Foreigners of Indian origin have to abide by all the laws and regulations of India.
- Foreigners of Indian Origin should not hold Indian Voter ID, Family Ration Card etc.,
- Any FIO holding X-1 visa if intends to take up employment in India should obtain prior permission from jurisdictional FRRO.
- Surrender Certificate may be obtained from concerned Regional Passport Office (RPO) or the Indian Mission abroad at the time of surrendering the Indian passport.
- In case of Death or Divorce of Indian/ FIO Spouse of foreigner on X-1 visa/OCI Card, Foreigner should immediately approach jurisdictional FRRO for further visa related matters.