Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai has demanded that Goans working abroad be granted dual citizenship, stating that many were forced to leave the state in search of livelihood but continue to remain deeply connected to their homeland.
Sardesai said that a large number of Goans acquired Portuguese citizenship due to historical circumstances and not out of choice. He stressed that denying them dual citizenship has adversely affected families and weakened their cultural and emotional ties with Goa.
“The identity of Goans and the essence of Goenkarponn must be protected. These Goans contribute to Goa in many ways despite living abroad and should not be made to choose between livelihood and identity,” Sardesai said.
He urged the Centre to frame a special policy for Goans with Portuguese citizenship, taking into account Goa’s unique history, so that their rights, family ties, and cultural identity are safeguarded.
Sardesai reiterated that granting dual citizenship would strengthen the bond between Goa and its diaspora and ensure justice to Goans who were compelled to migrate for economic reasons.
