Panaji, Goa: Goa Forward Party president and MLA Vijai Sardesai has urged the Central Government to consider dual citizenship for Goans with Portuguese ties, raising the issue during the Goa Legislative Assembly.Sardesai argued that many Goans have historical and familial links to Portugal due to Goa’s colonial past and said a suitable legal framework should be explored to address their unique circumstances.
Issue Raised in the Assembly
Speaking during the Assembly session, Vijai Sardesai highlighted the concerns of Goans who have acquired Portuguese citizenship or have ancestral connections with Portugal.He said the issue deserves serious consideration and called for discussions with the Central Government on the possibility of creating a mechanism that would allow eligible Goans to retain stronger legal ties with both countries.The demand comes amid ongoing discussions about the legal and administrative challenges faced by Goans who opt for foreign citizenship.
Historical Context
Goa remained under Portuguese rule until its liberation in 1961. Under Portuguese nationality laws, certain individuals born in Goa before liberation, as well as some of their descendants, may be eligible to acquire Portuguese citizenship, subject to applicable legal requirements.Under the Citizenship Act, 1955, India does not permit full dual citizenship. Indian citizens who voluntarily acquire the citizenship of another country are generally required to surrender their Indian citizenship in accordance with Indian law.Many Goans who obtain Portuguese citizenship subsequently surrender their Indian passports before applying for Portuguese passports.
Sardesai Seeks Policy Discussion
Sardesai urged the government to initiate dialogue with the Union Government to examine whether any constitutional or legal solution could address the concerns of affected Goans.He maintained that the matter should be approached by considering Goa’s unique historical background while remaining within the framework of the Constitution and applicable laws.No official announcement regarding any policy change was made during the Assembly proceedings.
Existing Legal Position
At present, Indian law does not recognise dual citizenship. While India offers the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme to certain foreign nationals of Indian origin, it does not confer Indian citizenship or the full rights available to Indian citizens.Any change to India’s citizenship framework would require legislative action by Parliament.
Key Highlights
- Vijai Sardesai raised the issue of dual citizenship for Goans with Portuguese ties in the Goa Legislative Assembly.
- He urged discussions with the Central Government on the matter.
- The issue relates to Goa’s historical links with Portugal.
- India currently does not permit dual citizenship under existing law.
- Any change would require amendments to the legal framework at the national level.
Vijai Sardesai’s call for dual citizenship rights has revived debate over the legal status of Goans with Portuguese ties. While the proposal reflects concerns arising from Goa’s unique historical legacy, any move towards recognising dual citizenship would require significant legal and constitutional changes at the national level.
