Passport Mystery: Child’s Document Acquisition Under Investigation

The Home Affairs Ministry is investigating how a child of a member of the Grace Road Church obtained a passport shortly before a potential inquiry into allegations of human rights abuses involving the child’s mother. Acting Home Affairs Minister Filimoni Vosarogo confirmed that the Fiji Police Force’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is taking the lead on the matter, underscoring the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Immigration Department.

Minister Vosarogo highlighted that the crux of the investigation revolves around the legitimacy of the child’s entitlement to a Fijian passport and the circumstances leading to its acquisition right before a planned flight that might be related to avoiding scrutiny due to the mother’s recent complaints. He emphasized that the integrity of the immigration system is at stake, prompting immediate action to initiate the inquiry last week.

There are specific legal provisions regarding citizenship for children born in Fiji, but the Minister noted that the investigation encompasses broader issues. To facilitate a thorough and unbiased investigation, the Director of Immigration and the Manager of Passports have been temporarily relieved from their roles. Acting appointments have been made to ensure that immigration functions continue without interruption.

The CID is actively gathering statements and narrowing down the investigation’s focus to identify any deviations from standard operating procedures regarding the passport’s issuance. Minister Vosarogo anticipates that the investigation will conclude by the end of next week, with findings and recommendations to be submitted shortly thereafter.

Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew confirmed that the CID has already begun looking into the matter based on the mother’s report, which includes the actions taken regarding the issuance of the passport.

This investigation serves as a critical step toward ensuring accountability and transparency within the immigration system. As authorities work to clarify these disturbing allegations, there is hope that the findings will lead to improvements that bolster public trust in the processes that govern such serious matters.