What Does the New MEA Directive Mean for Goans with Portuguese Citizenship?
In a landmark decision on April 4, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India issued a fresh directive that could greatly impact individuals from Goa and Daman & Diu with Portuguese citizenship. The directive permits the issuance of a “revocation order” by passport authorities to those whose Indian passports were revoked due to acquiring Portuguese nationality. This step is especially significant as it directly affects the OCI Card eligibility for many in these regions.
Why Was the Revocation Order Necessary?
Previously, Goans who acquired Portuguese citizenship faced considerable challenges in applying for the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card. According to a memorandum on November 30, 2022, the MEA had revoked the passports of Goans suppressing material information regarding their foreign nationality. The halt in issuing surrender certificates left many ineligible for OCI cards.
Portuguese law states that individuals born in Goa before December 19, 1961, and their subsequent two generations can register as Portuguese citizens. The allure of a Portuguese passport, which offers visa-free entry to many countries including the UK and EU, makes this an attractive option for those seeking better employment and education overseas.
How Does the Revocation Order Help?
The “revocation certificate” serves as an alternative document to the “surrender certificate,” which was previously mandatory for obtaining an OCI Card. This change simplifies the process greatly for those affected:
- Facilitating a smoother OCI application process: By accepting the revocation certificate in lieu of the surrender certificate, the Indian government has streamlined the process, reducing the bureaucratic hurdles that previously barred many eligible individuals from obtaining their OCI cards.
- Recognition of dual heritage: This move also acknowledges the unique historical and cultural ties individuals from the erstwhile Portuguese territories in India have with both their nations—India and Portugal.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant welcomed the decision, expressing his gratitude via a social media post on X: “Great news for people of Goa. MEA has issued clarification that Revocation Certificate will also be a valid document in lieu of Surrender Certificate for obtaining OCI Card. I thank the Union Govt led by PM @narendramodi ji, Home Minister Shri @AmitShah Ji, Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar ji & MEA MoS Smt @M_Lekhi for accepting the request of the State Government that would provide huge relief to thousands of Goan & their families.”
What Are the Benefits of the OCI Card?
The OCI card functions similar to a long-term visa, allowing its holders numerous benefits:
- Indefinite stay and employment in India: OCI cardholders can live and work in India indefinitely, which is highly advantageous for those with family, business, or other substantial ties to India.
- Ease of travel: The card allows for multi-purpose, multiple-entry, lifelong visa to visit India, which significantly eases travel for diaspora members.
This change in policy demonstrates the adaptability of the Indian government’s approach to diaspora relations, specifically addressing the complexities faced by Goans with Portuguese citizenship.
For more detailed information regarding OCI Card eligibility and application processes, including the acceptance of revocation certificates, visit the official OCI information page.
This development underscores not only the sensitivities involved in handling issues of nationality and citizenship but also the continuous efforts by states to accommodate the evolving identities and affiliations of their people. For individuals affected by these changes, obtaining an OCI card now appears a far more attainable goal, providing them with an essential link to their Indian heritage.
Learn Today:
- MEA (Ministry of External Affairs):
- Definition: The Ministry of External Affairs of a country, in this context specifically referring to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, is responsible for the country’s external diplomacy, including matters related to foreign nationals, immigration, and international relations.
- OCI Card (Overseas Citizenship of India Card):
- Definition: A form of permanent residency available to foreign citizens of Indian origin or certain foreign spouses of Indian citizens, which allows them to live and work in India indefinitely. It provides many benefits similar to Indian citizenship, such as multiple entries, lifelong visa to India.
- Revocation Order:
- Definition: A legal directive issued by authorities to cancel or invalidate a previous decision, such as revoking the Indian passport of individuals who acquired Portuguese citizenship. This order is significant in the context of OCI card eligibility for individuals affected by the revocation.
- Surrender Certificate:
- Definition: A document previously required for individuals who acquired foreign citizenship, such as Portuguese citizenship, to renounce their Indian citizenship officially. This certificate was a prerequisite for obtaining an OCI card before the introduction of the revocation certificate.
- Dual Heritage:
- Definition: Refers to individuals who have cultural, historical, or ancestral ties to two or more countries, recognizing and embracing their identities that stem from multiple national or ethnic backgrounds. In this case, it acknowledges the shared heritage of individuals from Goa with Portuguese citizenship and their connections to both India and Portugal.
This Article In A Nutshell:
The recent MEA directive impacts Goans with Portuguese citizenship, offering a revocation order as an alternative to the surrender certificate for OCI Card eligibility. This streamlines the application process, recognizing dual heritage and fostering stronger ties between India and Portugal. The OCI Card grants indefinite stay, employment, and easy travel benefits.
— By VisaVerge.com
Thanks very much for the clarification on the matter of obtaining OCI after obtaining Portuguese Passport/Citizenship. However, it would be appreciate if there are any updates on the fines which were levied by the Authorities. Are the fines still being applied?
Secondly what is the reason for reference to “revocation” instead of “surrender” which was widely accepted as being the norm.
Thanks and Best Regards
Ivan Colaco
Hey Ivan,
Thank you for your insightful questions regarding the recent updates on OCI eligibility for Goans with Portuguese citizenship.
Regarding Fines: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has introduced the acceptance of a “revocation certificate” in place of the traditional “surrender certificate” for OCI applications. This change aims to simplify the process for individuals whose Indian passports were revoked upon acquiring Portuguese nationality. However, the MEA has not provided specific information about the status of fines previously levied for delays in surrendering Indian passports. It’s advisable to consult the latest guidelines from the MEA or contact the nearest Indian consulate for detailed information on any applicable fines.
On “Revocation” vs. “Surrender”: The shift from “surrender” to “revocation” terminology reflects the MEA’s acknowledgment of the unique circumstances faced by Goans who acquired Portuguese citizenship. Many individuals had their Indian passports revoked by authorities, often without their direct action. Recognizing this, the MEA now accepts a “revocation certificate” as valid documentation for OCI applications, streamlining the process for affected individuals.
I hope this clarifies your concerns.