TUESDAY, JULY 09, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The Centre has simplified the process for Indian nationals from Goa, Daman, and Diu, who have acquired Portuguese nationality to obtain Indian visas, exit permissions, or OCI cards.
Instead of submitting a surrender certificate, these individuals can now provide a copy of their passport revocation order issued by the Regional Passport Officer as an alternative document in lieu of surrender certificate, for granting Visa/Exit Permission on valid Portuguese passport/OCI Card.
This provision applies to those who certify that they obtained the Portuguese passport legally.
This decision was made under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the approval of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has considered the problems faced by Indian nationals hailing from Goa, Daman and Diu, who have acquired Portuguese nationality as per the Portuguese Nationality Law, for obtaining Indian Visa/Exit Permission or OCI Card.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and with the approval of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, it has been decided that copy of their passport revocation order issued by Regional Passport Officer(s) instead of surrender certificate, will now be considered as an alternative document in lieu of surrender certificate, for granting Visa/Exit Permission on valid Portuguese passport/OCI Card.
This provision will be applicable, provided that the person concerned certifies that he/she has not obtained the Portuguese passport fraudulently.
Reacting to the circular issued by the MHA, Adv Cleofato Coutinho said, “This decision is in tune with the earlier commitment given to the High Court by the government, based on which the petition was disposed of. The Ministry of Home Affairs had no other choice. Perhaps the MHA did not want an embarrassment in the High Court. I don't understand why they would put people through such a test," he said.
Adv Coutinho also responded to a query about the overall scenario, given what had happened in the past with respect to the first circular, which was submitted to the court based on which the ruling was passed, and then the belated corrigendum, which was still not submitted to the HC by the government's counsel. He commented on whether the public would want the government to submit this fresh circular to the court.
“If it is an official circular, then it is okay,” said Coutinho, indicating that the government would not need to submit this to the High Court again unless asked for, by the Court.
Goans for Goa (GFG) has welcomed the decision of MHA accepting the order of the High Court, and will henceforth accept revocation certificate, in lieu of surrender certificate, to process the OCI application.
GFG founder president Kennedy Afonso said that the circular will give relief to many Goans, who were affected by the revocation of Indian passports, and were not able to obtain the OCI Card.
“It’s the 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,” said Afonso.
