With no procedure followed, many Goans continue to ‘enjoy’ dual citizenship Published on: August 13, 2013 - 01:32 More in: Goa News Story Summary: The regional passport office has not ruled out the possibility of Goans obtaining dual citizenship since there are no procedures being followed wherein the Portuguese Consulate PANAJI: The regional passport office has not ruled out the possibility of Goans obtaining dual citizenship since there are no procedures being followed wherein the Portuguese Consulate in Goa consults the regional passport office before granting Portuguese passport to a Goan citizen. Passport officer Agnelo Fernandes said that the Portuguese Consulate does not consult the regional passport office before granting Portuguese passport to a Goan citizen. He further said that usually once a Goan citizen receives the Portuguese passport, he surrenders his Indian passport by visiting the regional passport office. However, in the absence of procedures wherein the regional passport office and the Portuguese Consulate crosscheck details, there is a possibility of some citizens holding both the passports and hence, dual citizenship. The passport officer said that there could also be a possibility wherein Goans not holding Indian passport may apply directly for a Portuguese passport. Fernandes said that many Goans travel on Indian passport on a tourist visa and obtain Portuguese passport from Lisbon without subsequently surrendering the Indian passport, thus concealing facts. He further said that the matter has been placed before the High Court. Sources in the passport office said that according to the Indian Citizenship Act, Indian nationals cannot hold dual nationality and have to renounce Indian citizenship and surrender Indian passport at the time of obtaining foreign nationality. Fernandes said that on an average, 30 Goans submit their applications daily for a surrender certificate in the regional passport office along with a fee of Rs 5,000. Such a surrender certificate needs to be produced at the time of applying for Portuguese passport. Goans, especially Christians, working overseas or desiring to travel abroad for work and to settle there are the potential Portuguese passport seekers, he said.
Posted on: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 05:45:50 +0000
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