Goa: A significant milestone was achieved in Goa as a 78-year-old Christian man from Pakistan became the first individual in the state to be granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019.
Joseph Pereira, who has been residing in Goa since 2013, expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the introduction of the CAA and for facilitating the processing of his citizenship application.
Born in 1946 and of Goan descent, Pereira relocated to Pakistan before Goa’s liberation from Portuguese rule, where he secured employment. He returned to India on September 11, 2013, making him eligible for Indian citizenship.
Originally from Paroda village in Salcete taluka, Pereira now resides with his family in Cansaulim village, South Goa. He had expressed fears of not receiving his Indian citizenship before his death.
Pereira noted that he had submitted his citizenship application 11 years ago, but it had been pending until now. In an interview with the Indian Express, Pereira shared his anxieties and frustrations over the lengthy process. “I had been praying and contemplating this issue for years. I would review all my files and wonder when I would finally obtain citizenship. I was born in Goa, my parents are from Goa, and my wife is a Goan. It was perplexing why it took so long. However, I am relieved and thankful now that I have received it. I am free to travel without needing permission from the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office),” Pereira said.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his honor in presenting Pereira with the citizenship certificate. “I am privileged to present the citizenship certificate to Joseph Pereira under the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024,” Sawant stated.
He further encouraged others who might be eligible for citizenship to reach out to the government for assistance.
