78-year-old Christian man from Pakistan becomes first from Goa to get citizenship under CAA

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 mediapersons.

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.”