The circular, invoking Section 10 of the Passports Act, 1967, has led to the revocation of passports for at least 100 individuals in Goa who, unbeknownst to them, allegedly suppressed information about acquiring foreign nationality
In a surprising turn of events, residents of Goa find themselves caught in a bureaucratic quagmire as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) circular issued on November 30, 2022, takes effect, Indian Express reported.
The circular, invoking Section 10 of the Passports Act, 1967, has led to the revocation of passports for at least 100 individuals in Goa who, unbeknownst to them, allegedly suppressed information about acquiring foreign nationality.
The report cited the predicament faced by individuals like Thomas Fernandes, who sought to surrender his Indian passport, stems from the MEA’s claim that they were already Portuguese citizens at the time of passport renewal in 2021. Fernandes, who acquired Portuguese citizenship in 2015, expressed shock at the lack of awareness regarding the circular, emphasizing that many Goans have been registering births in Portugal for years without obtaining a Portuguese passport.
This sudden enforcement has created widespread anxiety among Goans, disrupting their plans to obtain Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards. Without the surrender certificate, a prerequisite for OCI card application, affected individuals are left with limited options, with some compelled to apply for X1 visas.
Underlying the issue is the long-standing practice of Goans registering births in Portugal, a gateway to acquiring Portuguese citizenship. The Portuguese law offers this option to those born in Goa before December 19, 1961. However, the recent MEA circular has triggered a chain reaction, leaving many Goans in limbo regarding their citizenship status.
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As Goans grapple with the unexpected dual citizenship scrutiny, officials, including Commissioner for NRI Affairs Narendra Sawaikar, are exploring options for interim relief
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The hope is to temporarily allow the grant of OCI cards, providing a crucial lifeline for those whose passports have been revoked until a resolution is reached
The “Goans for Goa” movement has appealed to the government for an amnesty period for revoked passport holders, urging authorities to reconsider the sudden enforcement. Members of the movement argue that the circular was not adequately publicized, and the lack of an amnesty period has left Goans in uncertainty about their status and travel plans.
The situation prompted Goa BJP president Sadanand Shet Tanavde to raise the matter in Parliament, proposing a reconsideration of the decision to revoke passports based on birth registration in Portugal. Tanavde suggests allowing the renewal of Indian passports for affected individuals until they acquire official citizenship documentation from the Portuguese government, emphasizing the importance of facilitating their travel during the transition period.
As Goans grapple with the unexpected dual citizenship scrutiny, officials, including Commissioner for NRI Affairs Narendra Sawaikar, are exploring options for interim relief. The hope is to temporarily allow the grant of OCI cards, providing a crucial lifeline for those whose passports have been revoked until a resolution is reached.
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