Children born in Fiji automatically acquire citizenship by law, eliminating the need for approval from the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua. This statement comes from the Grace Road Group, responding to concerns raised by the ministry regarding an allegedly “unauthorized” issuance of a Fiji passport to the child of two Grace Road Church members.
The investigation was initiated after Mr. Tikoduadua questioned how the child was able to obtain a passport that permitted her father to travel abroad with both her and her brother. The children’s mother, who moved from Korea to Fiji eight years ago, recounted that her four-year-old daughter, born at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, had not been registered in Fiji throughout her life.
The mother alleged that she had fled from what she described as eight years of “slavery” at a Grace Road facility. Grace Road Group emphasized that the child is a legally recognized Fijian citizen, citing Section 6 of the Citizenship of Fiji Act 2009, which entitles any child born in Fiji to citizenship. They asserted that the father merely applied for a passport for his daughter, who is a Fijian citizen.
Additionally, Grace Road Group expressed concerns that the timing of the ministry’s statement was intended to shift the focus from an ongoing case involving their president in the High Court. The ministry has been contacted for clarification regarding these developments.
This situation highlights the complexities surrounding citizenship laws and immigration processes, particularly in cases involving vulnerable individuals. It is crucial for authorities to ensure that regulations are upheld while also being sensitive to the circumstances of the families involved. As this case unfolds, it may provide an opportunity for a broader discussion on the rights of children and the responsibilities of organizations concerning their well-being.
In summary, the Grace Road Group is defending the legitimacy of a child’s passport in Fiji while questioning the motives behind the government’s investigation, amidst serious allegations of mistreatment within their organization. This could pave the way for further scrutiny of child welfare practices in Fiji and the legal frameworks that uphold them.
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