New Delhi, In a concerning development, thousands of Goans who registered their births in Portugal to secure Portuguese citizenship for their descendants are now facing a dilemma. The Indian government has reportedly revoked the passports of individuals who had registered their births in Portugal, creating uncertainty and anxiety among the affected population.
Under Portuguese law, individuals born in its former colonies, including Goa before 1961, and their descendants up to the third generation are eligible for Portuguese citizenship. The process involves registering one’s birth in Portugal, obtaining an “assento de nascimento” document, and eventually acquiring Portuguese citizenship.
Goa’s lone representative in the Rajya Sabha, Sadanand Shet Tanavade, raised the issue, revealing that around 70 people have had their Indian passports revoked. This move has implications as those affected cannot apply for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards.
The basis for passport revocation is the birth registration in Portugal, considered the effective date of acquiring foreign citizenship. While Tanavade urged the Ministry of External Affairs to reconsider this decision, local activists claim that the actual number of affected individuals could be much higher, ranging from 80 to 100 or even up to 400-500.
This situation has sparked concerns about the broader impact on Goans who have registered their births in Portugal. The controversy raises questions about the interpretation of the date of acquiring foreign nationality and the subsequent revocation of Indian passports.
In light of the ongoing uncertainties, Tanavade called on the ministry to allow the renewal of Indian passports for affected individuals until they acquire official citizenship documents from the Portuguese government. This temporary measure aims to facilitate travel and ensure the well-being of those affected during the transition period.
The ambiguity surrounding the acquisition of foreign citizenship in Goa remains a contentious issue, affecting both ordinary citizens and political figures. As this situation unfolds, the demand for clarity on the citizenship status of individuals involved in public service has gained prominence.
