A member of the Grace Road Church in Navua has raised serious allegations against Fiji’s Immigration Department regarding her husband’s unauthorized departure from the country with their two children. She claims that her husband, whose visa expired years ago, was permitted to leave, allegedly due to corruption within the department.
The woman reported that her four-year-old daughter, who had not been registered at birth, was issued an emergency Fijian passport in just one day, allowing the family to fly out of Fiji without her permission or knowledge. The woman expressed skepticism about her husband’s financial ability to undertake this journey and suggested he had been guided by others connected to the Grace Road Church.
Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua has acknowledged the situation, stating that he has offered to resign while investigations are carried out into the unauthorized passport issuance. He emphasized that this incident, if validated, points to serious procedural lapses within the Immigration Department.
In response, the Acting Police Commissioner has instructed an Assistant Commissioner to initiate a preliminary investigation to clarify whether the Fiji Police Force or the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption will handle the case. Meanwhile, Grace Road Group has not responded to inquiries concerning the matter.
This troubling situation sheds light on the need for transparency and accountability within governmental departments. The proactive approach by the Minister and the Police Commissioner in addressing these allegations is a crucial step toward restoring public trust. As investigations proceed, the hope remains that justice will be served, ensuring the safety and well-being of the children involved.
In summary, this case highlights the potential for corruption within immigration processes and raises significant concerns about the protection of children’s rights in Fiji.
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