The Goa Government is justified in going after foreigners who violate the
visa laws. The Goa government should not be taken for granted. There are
foreigners who do everything legally and have nothing to worry. Others
choose not to care and are under the impression that they can buy their way.
Why Dr. Wifred D'Souza suddenly woke up is a different question? Surely no
politician acts without some motive behind it. The big question is which
Indian will be next? There are many of them who have connived with
bureaucrats and politicians to circumvent the law and have ultimately caused
destruction in Goa. There are many more who have bought land in fragile
eco-zones like turtle nesting sites, forests, .......We have to distinguish
between those who contribute to preserving Goan identity and those who
exploit Goa and and ultimately destroy it.
-soter
----- Original Message -----
From: "Goanet News" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, June 04, 2006 8:37 AM
Subject: *** Goa wants expats to leave (Pushpa Iyengar in DNA)
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1033200
Goa wants expats to leave
Pushpa Iyengar
Saturday, June 03, 2006 21:04 IST
PANAJI: They helped build brand Goa, fell in love with it and
decided to stay on forever. But it seems that they have worn
out their welcome.
Foreigners who helped make Goa what it is today are no longer
welcome to stay. 'Spend your Euros and return home', is the
clear message that is being sent out to the expatriates —
especially the predominant British population. This message
also extends to the French, German and Italian populace,
among others, who have made Goa their home and run some of
its most successful restaurants.
These expats have stayed on by extending their tourist visas,
which demands them to return home after the expiry period.
They inevitably return to India with an extension of the
period of their stay. Ironically enough, the Congress
government which is trying to make it difficult for
foreigners with tourist visas to live permanently in Goa is
unsure if its unwelcome gesture is legal. To begin with Chief
Minister Pratapsing Rane said foreigners on tourist visas may
no longer buy land or do business in the state. The business
he is believed to be referring to includes running bars,
bakeries and restaurants.
For instance, a German expatriate living in Anjuna began the
first genuine production of whole wheat bread in the 70s. His
success spawned a host of so-called 'German bread' bakeries
in Goa. Candolim's (north Goa) La Fenice Pvt Ltd, a
registered firm run by two Italians who have adopted Indian
names and run a Italian restaurant or Mobor's (south Goa)
Gaffino Ventures Inc whose director Brian Gaffino lives in
California during the off season, are many such success
stories.
Surprisingly, the first objection was raised by the
Nationalist Congress party, whose president Dr Wilfred de
Souza is married to a UK national. Rane responded saying his
government would send circulars to concerned sub-registrars
to submit details of foreigners seeking registration for
buying property. The details and government's legal position
will be studied before registering properties.
Rane has also threatened an investigation into properties
already registered which could expose the nexus between
locals who sell properties and foreign buyers contravening
FEMA (foreign Exchange Management Act) that allows foreigners
on business and commercial visas to buy properties by forming
Indian companies under the Companies Act.
But not all foreigners are worried. Sinead Mcnanus who runs a
hotel Pepper Valley near a wildlife sanctuary said, "I think
it's fair. You must have laws that differentiate between
business and tourist visas for those who want to run
businesses at least."
--
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