Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced today that Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, has been temporarily relieved of his responsibilities, with an Acting Minister stepping in during this period. In a statement to FijiLive, Rabuka expressed that the recent developments within the Department of Immigration mark a troubling chapter, emphasizing concerns around leadership and administrative practices.
While the name of the Acting Minister was not disclosed, Rabuka indicated that he would engage in urgent discussions regarding departmental matters. Additionally, he confirmed the suspension of the Director of Immigration and several senior officials within the department.
The situation came to light when Tikoduadua revealed that there was potential unauthorized issuance of passports to children linked to individuals implicated in the Grace Road human rights controversies. Tikoduadua stated that these passports were reportedly issued without his knowledge, the Permanent Secretary’s approval, or authorization from higher-ups in the Immigration Department. As a result, he has chosen to step aside temporarily to facilitate an investigation into the matter.
This decision reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability in governance. While the circumstances are certainly serious, they present an opportunity for systemic improvements within the department to restore public confidence and ensure the proper issuance of critical documents like passports. This could ultimately lead to a stronger, more reliable immigration system in Fiji.
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