The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) is urging the Fijian Government to take immediate diplomatic measures in light of the United States’ deportation policy, emphasizing the significant threats this policy poses to Fiji’s national security and economic stability. SODELPA Leader Aseri Radrodro expressed concerns that the policy could lead to the deportation of diligent Fijian caregivers who play an essential role in the U.S. healthcare system, while simultaneously bringing back high-risk offenders without proper security protocols or reintegration measures.
Radrodro highlighted the importance of leveraging Fiji’s diplomatic relations with both the United States and Israel to negotiate protections for Fijian nationals, particularly those caregivers addressing significant labor shortages in the United States. The contribution of Fijian caregivers to the U.S. healthcare sector is noteworthy, as they send home over $500 million in remittances annually, which is vital for sustaining Fiji’s economy.
The potential deportation of these workers could disrupt healthcare services in the U.S. and negatively impact Fiji’s financial health. At the same time, Radrodro acknowledged that some Fijians facing deportation have been implicated in serious criminal activities, such as drug trafficking and gang-related crimes.
He stressed the necessity for Fiji to be prepared for the reintegration of these individuals through community readiness initiatives, enhanced security measures, and strong institutional support. This approach aims to ensure that the reintegration process is managed responsibly, preventing the proliferation of criminal behavior in Fiji’s delicate security landscape.
Radrodro called for the United States to uphold a moral obligation in executing deportation processes fairly and thoughtfully, taking into account the broader implications for small island nations like Fiji. SODELPA has strongly urged the government to act swiftly through diplomatic efforts to protect law-abiding Fijians living abroad while ensuring national security at home.
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