Anyone from outside the State can change their names and surnames at will. The process seems legally very easy. The resemblance to Goan surnames is what is intriguing. Claims have been preferred for registration of family properties, inheritances, Portuguese passports by changing names or to establish Goan identity specially with surnames. Though legally there is no bar, non-Goans attempting such an exercise is definitely with some ulterior motives. Many fraudulent cases have come to light. The reason for changing names must be strictly scrutinised. It would be advisable that the person gets it done in his/her own place were birth is registered. Hence if birth is not registered in Goa it would be justified to refuse such name change requests. Advertisement in any one paper doesn't draw attention as a matter of routine.
