PANJIM: Pakistan born Australian national Marco Monteiro is amongst the eight students who are set to visit Goa for the 12th Know Goa Programme organised by the Commission of NRI Affairs. However, the Union Ministry for Home Affairs is yet to give security clearance to Marco for his visit to India.
The Know Goa Programme, an annual convention, is being held for the benefit of Goan Diaspora Youth who were born abroad and are foreign nationals, but whose parents or ancestors are of Goan origin.
This year, eight students from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and Portugal will be visiting Goa, Delhi and Agra, under the programme, which is scheduled to be held from January 4 to January 18.
Marco was born on October 3, 1998 in Karachi, Pakistan. NRI Affairs has no details about his parents’ nationality.
However, his grandfather Jose Monteiro was from Taleigao. He was born on March 13, 1885 in Taleigao and died in 1921.
Speaking to Herald, Director of NRI Affairs Anthony D’Souza said that the student from Australia is actually from Karachi, Pakistan. “He was born in Karachi and later went to Australia, along with his mother. Marco has obtained Australian citizenship,” he said adding that Marco had once visited Old Goa during his childhood along with his mother.
“Since he is originally from Pakistan, we have applied for his security clearance from Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which is still awaited,” D’Souza said.
“We are yet to get green signal from the Ministry. We are regularly following it up, but then rules are rules,” the Director said adding that the students will be provided Conference Visa.
Know Goa Programme is intended for young professionals in the age group of 21 to 30 years who have distinguished themselves in various fields and who have shown an abiding interest in Goa and India.
During their visit, the participants will get an opportunity to visit premier educational, cultural, historical and other places of interest, besides interacting with local Goans, elected representatives at all levels, as well as Government dignitaries like Governor of Goa, Chief Minister etc.
