New Delhi: Days ahead of the Indian diaspora conclave in Gujarat, the Centre on Tuesday promulgated an ordinance to merge the PIO (Person of Indian Origin) and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India ) schemes — fulfilling PM Narendra Modi’s promise during his visit to the US last year.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on January 8-9, will be addressed by Mr Modi. This move also comes ahead of US President Barack Obama’s visit to India later this month.

President Pranab Mukherjee has signed the Citizenship Ordinance, his press secretary Venu Rajamony said on Tuesday evening.

The ordinance seeks to amend the Indian Citizenship Act allowing overseas Indian citizens, including PIOs, some relaxations, including enjoying a lifelong Indian visa. In New York last September, Mr Modi had promised that the two schemes would be merged and also announced a lifetime visa for PIOs.

It will also do away with the clause requiring foreigners who marry Indians to continuously stay in India for one year before getting Indian citizenship. They will now be able to travel outside the country for up to 30 days in a year. PIOs need to visit local police stations during their stay has also been removed.