Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that he is prepared to intervene if the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, steps aside amid investigations into the unauthorized issuance of Fijian passports. These passports reportedly have been issued to children of individuals associated with Grace Road Group, an entity facing human rights allegations.
Responding to inquiries about a potential replacement for Tikoduadua, Prime Minister Rabuka noted that he could select from the current lineup or assume the immigration portfolio himself. From Australia, Tikoduadua expressed that the passports were issued without his knowledge and lacked proper authorization from senior management in the Department of Immigration.
Tikoduadua has offered to temporarily step down if advised by the Prime Minister, who confirmed he has received an email regarding the situation and intends to discuss it with Tikoduadua directly prior to making any decisions. They are scheduled to meet on Monday.
In connection with the ongoing investigations, Amelia Komaisavai, the director of Immigration, has been placed on leave, following a directive from Permanent Secretary for Immigration, Mason Smith.
In a statement released on Friday, Grace Road Group denied any wrongdoing, labeling the allegations as exaggerated and false. They emphasized that children born in Fiji are entitled to citizenship as per the Citizenship of Fiji Act 2009, asserting that no ministerial authorization is necessary. The group also posited that the controversy arises from political motivation and misinterpretation of the law.
In a separate but related matter, the Ministry of Employment has uncovered violations of the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1996 during inspections of Grace Road Company operations across Viti Levu. Minister Agni Deo Singh assured ongoing investigations and highlighted the critical need for compliance with Fiji’s labor laws, emphasizing that these laws apply equally to both local and migrant workers.
This situation offers an opportunity for both governmental oversight and organizational accountability to be strengthened in Fiji. Addressing these issues head-on can ultimately result in better governance and protection of rights for all citizens.
In summary, Prime Minister Rabuka is ready to take action regarding the ongoing passport controversy, while Grace Road Group firmly denies any wrongdoing. The Ministry of Employment is also taking steps to ensure compliance with labor laws, signaling a movement towards greater accountability and transparency in Fijian governance.
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