MUMBAI : The Centre is to issue electronic smart cards for all people of Indian origin (PIO) to facilitate immigrant Indians in taking up jobs across the world.

            "Overseas Indian Affairs Ministry will soon launch electronic smart cards for all future immigrant Indians who are seeking jobs across the world," Overseas Indian Affairs Minister, Jagdish Tytler said here.

              A smart card usually resembles a credit card in size and shape, but inside it is completely different.The inside of a smart card usually contains an embedded microchip that can hold all sorts of information pertaining its user and /or holder.

              Tytler said the smart card would be a 'second passport' - or an alternative to a passport and visa for PIOs who are relocating themselves in Gulf countries and other parts of the world.

              "The Government has already completed procedures that give Non-Resident Indians (NRI) the benefits of dual citizenship - and the electronic smart card is the second step by the ministry," he said.

               The Ministry is planning to simplify procedures of citizenship for overseas Indians and the smart card are a step in this direction.