Dear William, As a Goan, I am troubled by your story.
I'd like however to say this about #2 of yours. It is quite true that anyone with the right amount of money (and not necessarily the right amount of financial sense) will be able to buy a place in the UK. What is NOT true is that "anyone can come" into the UK and stay in the house they buy. I make no attempt to cover for the corrupt officials that you and others have met in Goa. It is a fact that post-1961 Goa has seen an exponential rise in corruption. As a Goan who visits Goa, I have seen it first hand. Must tell you: Not one of the chaps demanding a bribe at Dabolim airport or in the various Govt offices ( a bribe which I have never paid and will never pay) - was Goan. Not One. Am I saying that today's Goan officials are not corrupt? NO I have to now turn to the Xenophobia which has come over Goa in recent years. You no doubt remember why the British Govt transiently modified the citizenship laws until Hong Kong became part of China. The reason, if you remember, was to prevent the Chinese from overwhelming the UK (any further). Goa is in a similar position. After 1961, every single citizen of India is able to walk in and squat in Goa....and are doing just that. Goans have suddenly realised that they are in a minority and will soon have NO say in the future of their homeland. It is as though they have been 'liberated' of their senses and responsibilities. It is unfortunate that you have been caught up in this confusion. Goans cannot take out their frustrations on anybody else - They are taking it out on the 'foreigners'. I must also advise you that the Brits have also made a mess for themselves in Goa. Many overstay, others have started businesses after coming on Visit Visas (some by bribing low level officials) and many Brits get drunk and behave very boorishly indeed. In addition, many are reported to have violated Foreign Exchange regulations relating to land. That is the reason for the exacerbation of the problem. I don't know about you - but before I decide to sell off my property in country X and decide to use the proceeds to purchase property in country Y, I will definitely do some serious research. Going to a place on holiday is NOT the ideal method of doing research. I would have checked the Law relating to the purchase and (importantly) resale of land. Did you do that due diligence? BTW: in Common Law countries, a law cannot be applied to anyone retrospectively. IF you have already applied and received permission to purchase land - it cannot be summarily revoked unless you have violated any law. If you have parted with significant funds before obtaining the necessary permissions - there is no one else to blame but you. I would NOT personally buy in the UK unless I was sure I had the requisite permission to enter the UK whenever I wanted to. (BTW: I do have that right but have more sense than dumping hard earned funds in an hyper-inflated UK market). There are still two options for you to avail of: a: While you as a foreign individual cannot buy property in Goa, a (paper) company owned by you might be able to do just that. b: Even if you have purchased property illegally - the Act may have a clause by which the Goa Govt can compensate you for your losses. Here is a hint: If all you have done (and will do) is legal, get hold of somebody honest like Cecil Pinto in Panjim. That is what I would do IF I was interested in any home management in Goa. BTW: when I write "you" above .....it is not directed at you (William) but at whoever it may concern. good wishes jc == 2008/9/21 William Campbell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 1: I love Goa very much I sold my home in the UK three years ago to buy my dream villa in Cavelossim. After paying a disposed half the cost up front and waiting for three years for it to be build, then the trouble with the locals about foreigners and the law of India we can't own land or property in Goa/India. 2: Not like the UK anyone can come here and buy what they like. 3: Now I in rent in London with no hope of owing a home in the UK. So any foreigners that come here make money can a least go back home. So my friend best of luck don't wait if you have the opportunity of going home go its a nice life in Goa even with all the greed etc etc its the same all over the world and it will be everyones down fall.
