In the past decade, nearly 26,000 people in Goa surrendered their Indian passports, revealed a report from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) presented in the state Assembly.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant disclosed that from January 2014 to March 2024, 25,939 individuals relinquished their Indian citizenship.

Many obtained Portuguese nationality, eligible under historical provisions, allowing visa-free travel to several countries including the UK and EU.

Recent policy changes affected Goans, initially revoking passports for non-disclosure of Portuguese citizenship details but later recognizing revoked passports for visa permissions, easing concerns for affected individuals.