GFP opposes MEA verification for Portuguese passports to Goans

The Goa Forward Party (GFP) today sought Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's intervention to change the "cumbersome" procedure under which, the Ministry of External Affairs verifies the Goan applicants' details before issuing Portuguese passports to them.
The party says the earlier practice of the Portuguese Consulate in Goa verifying the records of the applicants was "easier" for the people.
The Portuguese government has allowed those living in Goa during the Portuguese rule to hold a Portuguese passport. This facility has been extended to two more generations in the state.
GFP president Vijai Sardesai said that recently it has been made mandatory to have a verification of their birth records through the MEA, which is a "cumbersome procedure".

"The Portuguese Consulate in Goa was earlier verifying the records, making it easier for the applicants. However, due to this new procedure, several applications are pending and awaiting issuance of passports," he said.
According to Sardesai, the number of people whose applications are pending is "huge".

"I have met the chief minister seeking his intervention in the matter. He has assured to address the grievances of the people," he said.
He demanded that the entire process should be reverted back to was prevalent in the past.
Sardesai, who is also the state Agriculture Minister, admitted that Goans have to travel abroad in search of livelihood as the state has failed to generate employment opportunities here.

"If a person feels that he has better prospect abroad and he has this facility of Portuguese passport, it his right to choose," he said.