New Delhi, 11th June 2024 – In a significant move to alleviate the bureaucratic hurdles faced by Indian nationals from Goa, Daman, and Diu who have acquired Portuguese nationality, the Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced a new provision to simplify the process of obtaining Indian Visa/Exit Permission and OCI Cards.
Under the directive of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the approval of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the government has announced that individuals from these former Portuguese territories can now submit a copy of their passport revocation order issued by Regional Passport Officers instead of the previously required surrender certificate. This measure is aimed at easing the documentation process for those holding valid Portuguese passports or OCI Cards.
This provision will be applicable provided that the concerned individuals certify that their Portuguese passports were not obtained fraudulently. This decision comes as a relief to many who have faced challenges due to the stringent requirements for visa and exit permissions.
The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized that this step is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address the unique issues faced by Indian nationals with dual heritage, ensuring smoother and more efficient administrative processes.