BRAZILIAN footballer Jose Luis Seabra has one foot in the door towards being a T&T citizen. Approval for permanent residence was granted to the 30-year-old player yesterday by the Ministry of National Security.
G-Sport understands this is a preliminary step towards gaining full citizenship.
Having been granted permanent residential status, the way is now open for Seabra to get full citizenship in a short time.
We are working on something, an official of the ministry said yesterday, when asked how long it would take for Seabra to obtain citizenship in order for him to represent T&T at soccer in the earliest possible time.
The official said Seabra will not have to go through the procedure as someone applying for citizenship for the first time.
Seabra applied for permanent residence two months ago.
The Vibe CT 105 W Connection player, who has been living in T&T for the past five years, said yesterday that he has a nine oclock appointment this morning at the Immigration Department.
When I visit them (Immigration Department) I expect to fill out an application for citizenship, he said.
I am very happy to get permanent residence, Seabra added. I am anxious to move to the next step.
By gaining citizenship, Seabra will be in line to represent T&T in the final round of the World Cup qualification, which begins on February 9 (Ash Wednesday) with a match against the United States at Queens Park Oval.
National coach Bertille St Clair has expressed his desire to have the versatile Seabra in the team.
During the past three weeks Seabra has been training with the T&T squad.
Seabra is an attacking left-back, who is also effective in midfield as well as in attack. He is also a great kicker, which makes him a valuable asset in spot and set plays.