Children born in Fiji receive citizenship automatically, without the need for authorization from the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, as stated by Grace Road Group. This clarification comes in response to a recent statement from Minister Pio Tikoduadua regarding the issuance of what has been termed “unauthorized” Fiji passports for the child of two Grace Road Church members by the Immigration Department.
Minister Tikoduadua announced that the ministry is investigating how a Fiji passport was issued, which enabled the father to travel internationally with his child and her sibling. The children’s mother provided details to The Fiji Times, explaining that she immigrated from Korea with her husband and an older child about eight years ago. Their four-year-old daughter was born at Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva but was reportedly unregistered in Fiji for her entire life.
The mother alleges that she escaped from Grace Road’s True Mart in Navua after enduring what she describes as eight years of “slavery” within the organization. Grace Road Group emphasized that according to Section 6 of the Citizenship of Fiji Act 2009, children born in Fiji automatically receive citizenship and can obtain passports without special permission.
They assert that the father of the child merely applied for the passport for his daughter, who is a Fijian citizen by birth, and he received it legitimately. It was also mentioned that the older child holds a Korean passport. Grace Road Group expressed concern that the timing of the ministry’s statement may be an attempt to divert attention from an ongoing high court case involving their president.
This situation highlights the importance of clarifying citizenship laws and procedures, especially in complex cases involving individuals from different backgrounds. It also underscores the sensitive and challenging circumstances families may face, driving home the need for effective communication and proper legal support in such matters.
As investigations continue, there is a hopeful outlook for clarity and resolution that will benefit all parties involved, ensuring that the rights of children and their families are upheld according to the law.
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