A member of GRACE Road Church has raised serious allegations against officials from the Fiji Immigration Department following the unauthorized departure of her husband and children from the country. The woman contends that her husband, despite having an expired visa, was enabled to leave Fiji with their four-year-old daughter, who was granted a Fijian emergency passport, along with their 13-year-old son.
Speaking to reporters, she asserted that this situation could not have transpired without the complicity of someone within the Immigration Department. She stressed that her husband had outstanding fines related to his visa overstay, which would typically raise red flags during any attempt to exit the country.
The mother expressed confusion over how her daughter, who had not formally been registered since her birth, could obtain a passport in just one day. She emphasized her belief that her husband was financially dependent on others to facilitate their exit, given that he was employed as a purchasing officer with limited income.
Moreover, she described a pattern she had observed within the GRACE Road Church, where members allegedly receive directive counsel on their actions from those who have already left the organization.
In response to the allegations, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua announced he has proposed to step down while an investigation is initiated into the unauthorized issuance of passports. He emphasized that the matter raised serious concerns regarding oversight and administration within the Immigration Department.
Acting Police Commissioner Jukie Chew Fong has mandated an investigation to ascertain whether the case will be addressed by the Fiji Police Force or the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, prompting a closer examination of possible irregularities.
As the situation develops, the mother remains determined to reclaim her children and restore a sense of normalcy to their lives. The call for increased scrutiny of the Immigration Department’s practices could lead to substantial reforms, potentially improving oversight and preventing similar incidents in the future.
This incident highlights the need for stronger safeguards in immigration processes and the critical importance of ensuring child welfare in international scenarios. With the ongoing investigations, there is hope that transparency and accountability will lead to positive changes within the system.
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