Panjim: In view of global COVID-19 pandemic, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) on Wednesday urged the State government to bring back Goan seafarers and other Goans, who are holding Portuguese passport and are currently working in different countries.
Addressing media persons, MGP MLA Ramakrishna Dhavalikar said that the government should not differentiate between Goans, holding Indian passport and Portuguese passport.
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He said that most of these ‘sons of the soil’ opted for Portuguese passports with a sole intention of getting jobs in European countries, but they always maintained ties with the motherland Goa.
“They are Goans and their families are very much in Goa. They are our own people and it is our duty to get each and every Goan back to our State for their safety,” former deputy chief minister said.
Dhavalikar also said that government can charge for their travel and quarantine facility but has to ensure that all are back. “Also, there are other Goan NRIs, who are settled in various countries and they also want to return to Goa. We have to also consider their request,” he stated.
The State government has so far remained non-committal on bringing back Goans, with Portuguese passport stating that they have no role to play and that the decision will be taken by the Centre.
Meanwhile, the Goa NRI Commission has launched a portal for Goans who are stranded in foreign countries and want to return home, to submit their details. It said that the initiative will help the State to decide the course of action once the Centre announces the policy for return of Indians stranded abroad.
