- By Priyanka Koul
- Tue, 10 Dec 2024 07:10 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant presented the Indian citizenship certificate to Shane Sabastian Pereira, a Christian man born in Pakistan, under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Shane, originally from Karachi, was brought to Goa with his family just four months after his birth, but it took him 43 years to formally obtain Indian citizenship.
Shane’s case marks the second instance in Goa where a person has received citizenship under the CAA, following Joseph Francis Pereira, another Pakistani national who was the first to be granted citizenship in Goa in August this year.
Presented the Citizenship Certificate to Shri Shane Sebastian Pareira and his family under the Citizenship Amendment Act.
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) December 10, 2024
Shri Shane Sebastian Pareira, originally a Pakistani citizen, migrated to India shortly after his birth. He completed his school education in Goa and has… pic.twitter.com/ZNYbRonlhW
Shane who is a resident of Demello Wado in Anjuna, North Goa, explained that his parents had moved to Karachi, Pakistan, where he was born in August 1981. However, shortly after his birth, he was a four month old when his family relocated back to Goa, where he grew up and completed his education. In 2012, Shane married Maria Gloria Fernandes, an Indian citizen.
Despite making several attempts over the years to obtain Indian citizenship, Shane was unsuccessful until now. Inspired by Joseph Pereira, he decided to apply again for citizenship, as reported by Firstpost.
The citizenship certificate states that Shane is registered as a citizen of India under the provisions of section 6B, fulfilling the conditions outlined in section 5(1)(c) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, with effect from the date of his entry into India.
Addressing the media after the ceremony, CM Sawant reassured people concerned about the benefits of the CAA. He stated, "Shane is the second Goan to receive this certificate, and many others have applied, with their applications under process." Sawant added that the CAA would positively impact several Goans, noting that Shane's application had been processed quickly in just three months.
@goenchonews :- CM Dr. Pramod Sawant hands over Citizenship Certificate under CAA to Shane Sebastian Pereira and his family. pic.twitter.com/lMWjy6A3rE
— goenchonews (@goenchonew50099) December 10, 2024
He further emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s decision to implement the Act would assist Hindus, Christians, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Sikhs stranded in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.