This clearly implies that registration of birth is just the beginning of the process to obtain Portuguese Citizenship through “Cartao de Cidadao” and registration of birth by itself in no way gives the applicant the right to be a Portuguese Citizen, Dr Mesquita had stated in his letter. “Bilhete de Identidade” or Identity Card has been withdrawn and instead now they (Portugal) had introduced “Cartao de Cidadao” which is identified as Portuguese Citizenship, Dr Mesquita had further pointed out. Those having “Cartao de Cidadao” do not need such a visa, which goes to show that only these people are considered by Portugal as having Portuguese citizenship. According to Dr Mesquita, the Portuguese passport is just a travel document that facilitates travel to Portugal and “Cartao de Cidadao” is the most important document as far as Portuguese citizenship is concerned. Those having “Cartao de Cidadao” do not need such a visa, which goes to show that only these people are considered by Portugal as having Portuguese Citizenship.

Source: The Herald November 27, 2023 20:28 UTC