Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: MLA Vijai Sardesai on Monday raised the issue of dual citizenship for Goans with Portuguese ties during Zero Hour in the Goa Legislative Assembly, urging the state government to take up the matter with the Government of India.
Sardesai highlighted that many Goans had acquired Portuguese citizenship due to historical circumstances but continue to maintain strong family, cultural and emotional ties with Goa. He said these individuals deserve a proper legal framework that allows them to preserve their connection with India.
The Goa Forward Party president further advocated for dual citizenship for eligible Goans with Portuguese nationality, noting that India’s growing partnership with Europe provides an opportunity to address the long-standing issue.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrating the Overseas Citizen of India status of António Costa, Sardesai said the move reflected India’s strengthening global ties and openness to deeper international engagement.
He argued that granting dual citizenship to Goans with Portuguese links would acknowledge Goa’s unique colonial past while enabling members of the Goan diaspora to contribute economically and culturally to both India and Europe.
Sardesai also called for amendments to the Citizenship Act, 1955 to allow Indo-Portuguese dual nationality for eligible Goans, saying such a step would protect the identity and interests of the Goan diaspora while strengthening ties between India and Europe.
