Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that the investigation into the unauthorized issuance of passports to children associated with the Grace Road Group has concluded and is now in the hands of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further evaluation. He conveyed this update following the appointment of three new ministers, including Viliame Naupoto as the Minister for Immigration, a role previously held by Pio Tikoduadua.

Rabuka stressed that he cannot disclose too many details regarding the investigation since it is now under professional scrutiny. Last November, Tikoduadua voluntarily stepped away from his immigration role amid concerns over possible unauthorized passport issuances linked to individuals related to the Grace Road Group, which faces serious human rights allegations.

While in Australia, Tikoduadua pointed out that the troubling passport issuances appeared to occur without his consent or that of senior Department of Immigration officials, prompting Rabuka to assume the immigration duties temporarily while inquiries were conducted by the Fiji Police Force and the Department of Immigration.

This situation mirrors previous findings by the Ministry of Employment, which identified breaches of the Employment Relations Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act within the Grace Road operations, reinforcing the urgency of compliance with local employment laws.

The Grace Road Group has consistently denied allegations of misconduct, asserting that the matter has been sensationalized and that children born in Fiji qualify for citizenship under the Citizenship of Fiji Act without needing ministerial approval. They argue that these challenges stem from political motivations and misinterpretations of the legal framework.

These developments highlight a noteworthy commitment from the Fijian government towards transparency and accountability, demonstrating a proactive approach by officials to rectify administrative oversights. The ongoing investigations provide hope that clear policies and reforms will emerge, furthering the protection of citizens’ rights and bolstering public trust in governmental practices.

This situation presents an opportunity for the Fijian administration to reinforce the integrity of its institutions, ensuring fair treatment and adherence to the law for all individuals involved. As investigations progress, it is anticipated that these efforts will yield positive outcomes for governance and community relations in Fiji.