PM Narendra Modi sets time for NRI cards, merger of OCI and PIO status

Sydney: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced a two-month deadline for the long-pending merger of OCI and PIO status to woo the Indian diaspora.

Addressing a frenzied crowd of around 20,000 persons in the hallowed Allphones Arena here, he said the Persons of Indian Origin and Overseas Citizen of India status would be merged ahead of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas to be held from January 7 in Ahmedabad.

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He had announced the merger during his visit to the US in September but had not given a timeline. Mr Modi announced that his government was working to facilitate visa on arrival for Australian tourists. Mr Modi took a dig at the previous governments saying that while they were happy to make laws he was “happier to remove” them.

“Let’s open the windows, let fresh air come in,” Mr Modi said referring to his government’s efforts to weed out obsolete laws. Touched by the grand reception, Mr Modi said he was honoured and humbled and would never forget this day. “I know that behind this affection lies expectations. Yes. We want to create the India you are dreaming of.”

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“This welcome, this respect, this enthusiasm I dedicate it to the people of India,” said Mr Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Australia in 28 years. Prime Minister Modi also referred to economic reforms unveiled by his government.