Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jun 15: A steady wave of Goans continues to renounce their Indian citizenship in favour of Portuguese nationality — a move driven by economic opportunities and historic ties to Portugal.

According to figures from the Regional Passport Office (RPO) in Panaji, an average of 10 to 15 Goans surrender their Indian passports every day. On certain days, this number spikes to 25. Most of these applicants come from South Goa and are from the minority community, reflecting a long-standing demographic pattern.

"This trend has remained consistent," said Nijo Varghese, head of the Goa Passport Office. “The majority of those giving up Indian citizenship hail from South Goa and belong to the minority segment.”

Goa’s colonial past under Portuguese rule until 1961 has created a unique legal pathway for many Goans to obtain Portuguese citizenship, often through ancestry or birth records. In turn, a Portuguese passport grants access to the European Union job market and residency rights within the Schengen zone — a powerful motivator for many seeking better prospects abroad.

However, the process hasn't been without hurdles. A 2022 notification from the Ministry of External Affairs initially stirred confusion, especially regarding the eligibility of such individuals for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. Many feared they might be excluded from the OCI benefits, sparking widespread concern.

Today, that uncertainty has largely been resolved. The Ministry has acknowledged Goa’s distinct historical status, and the issuance of OCI cards to those with Portuguese nationality — even after their Indian citizenship has been revoked — is proceeding without issues.

“There is absolute clarity now,” Varghese confirmed. “Even individuals whose Indian passports have been cancelled are receiving OCI cards routinely.”

On a typical day, the Panaji RPO processes the revocation of four to five Indian passports under Section 10(3)(b) of the Passport Act, 1967. This legal clause was cited in a circular issued on November 30, 2022, warning that Indian passports held by foreign nationals seeking renewal would be subject to cancellation.

In parallel, authorities are urging applicants to avoid using third-party agents for the surrender process. Varghese cautioned that agents often charge up to Rs 1,500 for services that cost only ?500 when completed via the government’s official online portal.

“The process is straightforward and digital. We encourage citizens to use the Common Service Centres (CSCs) located across Goa,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Panaji RPO is handling around 350 appointments daily, covering not just passport surrenders but also Police Clearance Certificates and a range of other consular services — a testament to the rising demand for overseas mobility among Goans.