PANAJI
In a recent development that could bring back relief to Goans who acquired Portuguese citizenship, the Central government has reverted to its previous decision to accept ‘revocation certificates’ instead of ‘surrender certificates.’
In the latest communique released through the Press Information Bureau, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that the acceptance will be solely based on condition that these Goans have obtained Portuguese nationality as per the Portuguese Nationality Law.
“The problems faced by Indian nationals from Goa, Daman, and Diu, who have acquired Portuguese nationality under the Portuguese Nationality Law, in obtaining Indian visas, exit permissions, or OCI cards have been considered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the approval of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, it has been decided that a copy of the passport revocation order issued by Regional Passport Officers, instead of a surrender certificate, will now be accepted as an alternative document for granting visas or exit permissions on valid Portuguese passports or OCI cards," the MHA stated.
It further stated that the provision will be applicable, provided that the individual concerned certifies that they have not obtained the Portuguese passport fraudulently.
On April 4, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an Office Memorandum informing that the MHA had accepted revocation certificates as alternative documents instead of surrender certificates.
However, the memorandum did not specify the date of the decision or the issuance of the MHA order. Less than a month later, on April 30, the MEA issued a corrigendum clarifying that the issue was still under consideration by the MHA, prompting severe criticism from the citizens and Opposition parties.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had then clarified that the corrigendum did not outrightly reject the earlier office memorandum stating the matter was under consideration by the MHA with direct communication channels established. “The Corrigendum doesn’t mean a No but only states that it is under consideration of the MHA. The process has begun and MHA will make a final decision. We are also directly communicating with the MHA,” he was quoted as saying.
As the issue was also being heard before the Bombay High Court at Goa that disposed of a related petition on May 6, the CM also rubbished the Opposition's argument that the Corrigendum was intentionally concealed due to the impending polling for Lok Sabha elections in Goa on May 7.
Meanwhile, Goans for Goa has hailed the development attributing it to the High Court order. “It's a victory not only for the revoked passport holders, who are the real heroes of this battle but for all the people of Goans as this clears the hurdle for generations to come,” reads a statement issued by the Association.
