Churchill Alemao, Former CM, expressed profound appreciation for the Portuguese administration’s decision to provide Portuguese passports to Goans. Acknowledging the pivotal role played by this provision, Alemao asserted that an estimated 60% of Goa’s population achieved success primarily due to the benefits derived from holding Portuguese passports.
Alemao emphasized that this gesture from the Portuguese administration significantly contributed to Goa’s development and the progression of its people. He credited the Portuguese passports for opening doors to opportunities abroad, enabling Goans to work diligently and contribute positively to both their personal growth and the advancement of their homeland.
“The Portuguese have just done one good thing, that is all citizens who were born in Goa before the year 1962, as well as their children and grandchildren, are considered to be eligible for Portuguese nationality and a Portuguese passport, because of which they are able to work and earn. If they were in Goa it would be difficult for them all to get jobs, because the govt. wouldn’t be able to provide so many jobs and the Portuguese passport has given this opportunity. If it wasn’t for this, most of the people in Goa would be poor. These Goans do not live in Portugal, they use that opportunity and move elsewhere. We should appreciate this opportunity. I will write to the PM regarding this,” said Alemao.
The absence of such privileges, according to Alemao, could have resulted in widespread poverty among the Goan populace. He underscored the transformative impact these passports had on Goa’s socio-economic landscape, asserting that without them, the region might have faced severe challenges, potentially leading to a state of destitution.
These comments by Alemao came following the notification by the Union Ministry of External Affairs on November 30, 2022, stating the Passport authorities have been revoking the Indian passport of Goans having their births registered in Lisbon, at the time of renewal.
