Pakistani Christian Becomes First Goan to Obtain Indian Citizenship Under CAA

On August 28, 2024, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant awarded Indian citizenship to Joseph Francis Pereira, a 78-year-old Pakistani Christian, under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). This marks the first instance of a Goan receiving citizenship through this amendment.

Background of Joseph Francis Pereira

Joseph Pereira, originally from Paroda village in South Goa, traveled to Pakistan for studies before India’s liberation. He later secured a job there, obtained Pakistani citizenship, and lived in Karachi. Pereira returned to India in 2013 after retirement and faced challenges in acquiring Indian citizenship until the CAA was enacted.

Citizenship Act and CAA

The CAA, introduced in December 2019, provides Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. Eligible groups include Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians.

Current Status and Government Actions

Pereira is now registered as an Indian citizen under Section 6B and Section 5(1)(c) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. Chief Minister Sawant noted that while Pereira is the first Goan to benefit from the CAA, many others across India have also received citizenship through this amendment. The Goa Home Department is actively surveying individuals who may qualify for similar citizenship and encourages eligible persons to contact the government for assistance.