Christian man from Pakistan first gets citizenship under CAA
Born in 1946, Joseph Pereira, originally of Goan descent, migrated to Pakistan before Goa was liberated from brutal the Portuguese regime
Born in 1946, Joseph Pereira, originally of Goan descent, migrated to Pakistan before Goa was liberated from brutal Portuguese regime. He even took up a job there. On September 11, 2013, Pereira returned to India and was thus eligible for Indian citizenship. Originally from Paroda village in Salcete taluka, Pereira now lives in Cansaulim village of South Goa, with his family.
The 78-year-old Christian from Pakistan, has been living in Goa since 2013, has become the first person from the state to get citizenship under the Citizenship ( Amendment ) Act ( CAA) 2019.
According to Pereira, he feared he would die before getting Indian citizenship. “I had been praying… I spent days pondering on this subject. I would look at all the files and wonder when I would get citizenship. I was born in Goa, my parents are from Goa, and my wife is a Goan. I don’t know why it (attaining the citizenship) took so long. But I am grateful that I have got it now. I am now free to go anywhere. If I have to go to New Delhi, I don’t have to take permission from the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office). I can just buy a ticket and travel,” Pereira told media persons.
Pereira said he had applied for citizenship 11 years ago, but it was not processed earlier. “I am thankful to the PM and the Union Home Minister for bringing in the CAA. I am grateful to all the government officials for processing my application. I had applied a long time ago… almost 11 years ago. Every two years, I had to apply for a visa from the FRRO and run from pillar to post. I had to take a special visa… and submit certain letters from my wife to show that I am visiting her,” Pereira added.
On Wednesday, CM Pramod Sawant said at the Secretariat: “I am honoured to present the citizenship certificate to Joseph Pereira under the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024.” He further said that “if anyone is eligible for the certificate, they can contact the government.”
