PANAJI
As concerns over the revocation of Indian passports among Bilhete de Identidade or Assento de Nascimento holders are escalating, NRI Commissioner Narendra Sawaikar is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday for urgent discussions with the Centre.
The meeting, expected on Wednesday, was rescheduled as Sawant was in Chhattisgarh to attend the swearing-in ceremony of its new Chief Minister.
Speaking to 'The Goan', Sawaikar stated that the issue has been flagged with the Centre, with Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade also addressing it in the Parliament.
“We will consistently follow up with the Ministry of External Affairs, especially in view of concerns raised regarding the denial of Overseas Citizen of India status for those whose passports have already been revoked,” he said.
A group of affected locals on Monday sought CM and Sawaikar’s intervention while pointing out the difference between the circular from the Ministry of External Affairs on November 30, 2022, and the laws governing OCI. The citizens also lamented government’s silence on the issue and demanded immediate relief.
“I am meeting CM Sawant tomorrow (Thursday) to discuss the matter, after which further action will be taken,” Sawaikar said.
Sources within the government have confirmed to 'The Goan' that only a limited number of Goans are affected but efforts are underway to seek relief through other options available within the legal framework.
While the nationality of Assento holders is in question, the government sources said these citizens could be unofficially termed “stateless” unless they possess a Portuguese passport or citizenship card.
MP Tanavade last Friday urged the Central government to reconsider its decision, citing that several Goans would be affected. As per the Indian Passport Act of 1967, those acquiring foreign citizenship should voluntarily renounce their Indian citizenship and surrender their Indian passport within 3-months of obtaining foreign citizenship. They must also obtain a Surrender Certificate from the Regional Passport Office or the relevant Indian Mission abroad in case they want to maintain a connection with India through visas and OCI status.
Sardinha says Goa's case has weight
Former chief minister and South Goa MP, Francisco Sardinha, has said that a resolution of the Goa legislative assembly encompassing a solution to the imbroglio surrounding the decision of the Centre to revoke the Indian passports of those Goans who have registered their births in Portugal will hold weight with Central government.
Sardinha, who has been criticised for allegedly falling short in taking up the matter with the Centre, said he has written to Home Minister Amit Shah demanding a solution to the problem but has not yet received any reply. He said, he will also discuss the issue with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and may even raise the matter in the Lok Sabha if given the opportunity by the Speaker.
The recent move of the Indian Passport officers to revoke the Indian passports of some 70-odd Goans who have registered their birth with authorities in Lisbon, Portugal has kicked up a controversy.
Sardinha said the issue involves two ministries of the Central government -- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of External Affairs -- and he has demanded in his communication to the MHA that no citizenship should be revoked unless there is solid proof that the person has acquired foreign citizenship.
