Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced the temporary relief of Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, who has stepped aside amidst concerns regarding unauthorized passport issuances within the Department of Immigration. An Acting Minister will take over, although Rabuka has not specified who that will be.
In a conversation with FijiLive, the Prime Minister described the situation as “a sad chapter” for leadership and administration, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter. He further confirmed the suspension of the Director of Immigration and several senior officials in the department, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issues at hand.
This development follows Tikoduadua’s discovery of potential misuse in passport issuance linked to individuals connected to the Grace Road human rights allegations. He clarified that these passports were issued without his, the Permanent Secretary’s, or senior management’s authorization. To ensure a thorough investigation, Tikoduadua decided to temporarily step aside from his role.
The government’s swift response underscores the commitment to maintaining integrity within its institutions, and the upcoming inquiry may lead to significant improvements in oversight and management practices within the immigration sector. This situation presents an opportunity for enhancing transparency and accountability moving forward, which is promising for future governance in the region.
In summary, the current leadership changes signal a proactive approach by the Fijian government to tackle serious allegations and restore public trust in immigration services.
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