A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) is an individual who is a foreign citizen (except a national of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) who has previously held an Indian passport. Individuals whose ancestors (great grandparents, grandparents, or parents) were born in India and were permanent residents of India under the Government of India Act, 1935, are also PIOs. Someone who is a spouse of an Indian citizen is also considered a PIO.