After 43 years of living in Goa, Shane Sabastian Pereira, who was born in Karachi, has finally been granted Indian citizenship. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant handed over the citizenship certificate to Shane on Tuesday under the provisions of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).
A long journey to citizenship
Shane was born in Karachi in August 1981 to parents originally from Demello Wado in Anjuna, North Goa. Four months after his birth, Shane’s family returned to Goa, where he grew up and completed his schooling. Despite living in India for decades and marrying Maria Gloria Fernandes, an Indian citizen, in 2012, Shane faced years of unsuccessful attempts to obtain Indian citizenship.
Speaking about his journey, Shane said, “Finally, inspired by Mr Joseph (Pereira), I applied again for citizenship.” Joseph Francis Pereira, another Pakistan-born Goan, was the first person in the state to be granted Indian citizenship under the CAA in August 2023.
Citizenship under CAA
Shane’s citizenship certificate mentions that he is registered under the provisions of section 6B of the CAA and has fulfilled the conditions under section 5(1)(c) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, with effect from the date of his entry into India.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant highlighted that Shane’s application for citizenship under the CAA was approved within three months, showcasing the efficiency of the Act.
How the CAA benefits Goan citizens?
Addressing concerns about the relevance of the CAA to Goans, Sawant said, “Shane is the second Goan to receive this certificate, and many others have applied, with their applications currently under process.” He emphasised that the act would benefit several communities, including Hindus, Christians, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Sikhs, stranded in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
Sawant credited the implementation of the CAA to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling it a significant step for people in such circumstances.
