A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card was a form of identification issued to individuals of Indian descent who were not citizens of India. It facilitated visa-free entry into India and granted the cardholder privileges similar to those of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in specific areas, excluding the right to vote, hold constitutional posts, or purchase agricultural land. For instance, an individual with grandparents born in India, but who holds citizenship in another country, could have applied for and received this form of identification.
The document provided significant convenience by eliminating the need for visas, simplifying travel to India for eligible individuals and their families. It offered benefits in areas like education and property ownership (subject to certain restrictions). It was introduced to strengthen ties with the Indian diaspora and encourage their engagement with India, reflecting an effort to recognize and value the contributions of people of Indian descent living abroad, going back to 1999 with PIO card scheme and further revised in 2002.