Pakistan-born Australian citizen of Goan origin gets clearance, but awaits visa

PANAJI: After delaying security clearance to Pakistan-born Australian citizen of Goan origin, Marco Monteiro, the ministry of home affairs has given him a no-objection certificate (NOC) for granting a conference visa to attend the 12th Know Goa Programme beginning Saturday.
“He has received an NOC from the ministry of home affairs. With this NOC, the embassy will now able to consider his application for a conference visa.He can join the group later,” director for NRI affairs Anthony D'Souza told TOI.
Monteiro will, however, not join the rest of the seven diaspora youth from Canada, UK and Portugal who have already arrived for the 12-day programme specially formulated for the benefit of the Goan Diaspora youth who haven’t had an opportunity to discover their roots.
The issue arose for Monteiro because he was born in Karachi, although his roots are Goan.
Monteiro has an BSE in biology and biochemistry and is currently working as a research assistant, D'Souza said.
The group will be taken to educational, cultural and historical places in the state and interact with local Goans and elected representatives at all levels and government dignitaries before proceeding to Agra and Delhi as part of the itinerary.