The massive exodus from Sri Lanka and their influx into India has more than a touch of irony. Though our own Goa has not faced the massive economic crisis which has put the island on the brink, can we say that the massive exodus of Goans holding Portuguese passports, leaving India by the hordes, is due to pleasure?
In 2020 there were (by moderate estimates) 30,000 Goans with Portuguese passports in the UK alone. But this number too appears to be a gross underestimation.
Why are Goans giving up Indian passports and moving out, mainly to UK, Canada and the USA. The answer is simple. Lack of opportunity, in business or employment. If their skills were recognised and opportunities given to all of them within their home State, Goans would use their brain power to contribute to their soil.
When governments are incompetent in providing opportunities this kind of an exodus happens.
Other countries are benefiting from the brains of our Goans. The government of the day need not have top qualified or educated elected people. All it needs to do is to hire the best professionals to run the systems and that includes the economy, self-employment, and education and skill development.
Goa, therefore, needs a saviour to correct this.
