A legal case regarding a Chinese woman, Hong Liu, who was detained by immigration authorities in Fiji while holding a Vanuatu passport, is set to return to the High Court in Lautoka on May 26. The woman is contesting her detention through a writ of habeas corpus and is seeking an injunction to prevent her deportation to China.
Represented by Vosarogo Lawyers, Liu’s legal team initiated proceedings on April 5, claiming that she was unlawfully held without being informed of the reasons for her detention. According to the affidavit filed by Ateca Duabaubau, Liu’s passport—issued by Vanuatu—was valid and entitled her to enter Fiji without a visa. However, it was reportedly cancelled by the Vanuatu government under allegations of fraudulent acquisition, as Liu, along with two other Chinese nationals, was wanted by Interpol for involvement in pyramid schemes.
Justice Anare Tuilevuka provided an interim ruling indicating that Liu should not have been detained given her valid Vanuatu passport. He emphasized that the law presumes individuals have the right to liberty, placing the onus on authorities to justify any detention.
This case echoes recent developments in Vanuatu’s immigration policy, where there has been a significant crackdown on fraudulent citizenship applications, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to maintaining a robust immigration system. The government’s proactive measures to revoke citizenship from individuals linked to criminal activity resonate with broader efforts to uphold national integrity and security.
Furthermore, Liu’s son reached out to legal representation after concerns about her detention arose, highlighting the importance of legal recourse in ensuring the rights of individuals facing similar circumstances. As her case unfolds, there is a glimmer of hope for Liu and others in analogous situations as courts prioritize examinations of lawful detention rights and strive for justice in immigration matters.
This scenario reinforces the necessity for transparent immigration processes and the vital role of legal aid in safeguarding personal rights. With the courts set to hear arguments on May 26, there remains optimism that Liu’s plight may catalyze necessary changes within Fiji’s immigration system and lead to improved safeguards for detained individuals.
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