PANAJI
As ongoing debate about revocation of Indian passports of those who registered their births in Portugal is intensifying, the State government “ responding to mounting pressure from the Goan diaspora and their families “ has assured to resolve the issue in collaboration with the Central government.
Speaking at the launch of the Global Goan Association on Wednesday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the matter is before the Government of India. “We are pursuing the matter with the Government of India, for a solution. Goa government will try resolving in collaboration with the Central government,” he said while addressing a group of Goan NRIs at the event held in Panaji.
Thousands of Goans living abroad, particularly in Portugal and European countries have expressed concern about the fate of their nationality in view of a November 2022 circular by the Ministry of External Affairs. The circular, which came to light only after The Goan’s news reports, directs all the passport offices to revoke Indian passports of those who registered their births in Portugal at the time of its renewal. This has led to the denial of OCI cards to these applicants.
NRI Commissioner Narendra Sawaikar, also present at the launch, conceded the issue is not within the domain of the State government while highlighting the need for a solution within the legal and policy framework.
“It’s a complex issue and needs solution within the legal and policy framework. We have to raise it before the Central government. I am quite confident that governments in Goa and Centre will come up with a solution,” he added.
Sawaikar further urged the Association to assist the NRI Commission in collecting data on the global Goan population explaining the importance of having this information to provide timely assistance during emergencies. “I appeal to the Association to convince your colleagues to register on our website which will create a comprehensive database for effective outreach,” he said.
Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira emphasised that while the Goa government lacks the authority to amend the Constitution or Citizenship Act, it does have the power to recommend changes to the Government of India.
“We (Opposition) will move a resolution (in the upcoming Assembly session) urging the Goa government to forward the proposal to the Centre for considering dual nationality. This will help people who suffered the situation unwillingly, unknowingly and have fallen in the trap of losing their Indian nationality,” he said, adding that many parents registered their births in Portugal without leaving Goa, to benefit their children.
Ex-MP Luizinho Faleiro also expressed concern about the current scenario and sought an immediate solution from the government.
