Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that he is prepared to intervene if Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, steps down amid investigations into the alleged unauthorized issuance of Fijian passports. These passports have been purportedly issued to children of individuals associated with the Grace Road Group, which has faced human rights allegations.
When questioned about a possible replacement for Mr. Tikoduadua, Mr. Rabuka indicated that the new appointee would be selected from the existing team or he would personally handle the immigration portfolio. From Australia, Mr. Tikoduadua asserted that the passports were issued without his knowledge or the approval of the permanent secretary and senior management within the Department of Immigration. He stated his willingness to temporarily step aside if the Prime Minister advises so.
Mr. Rabuka has received an email regarding the issue but plans to have a direct conversation with Tikoduadua before reaching a decision, emphasizing his intent to understand Tikoduadua’s perspective on the situation. The two are expected to meet on Monday.
In a related development, the director of Immigration, Amelia Komaisavai, was placed on leave as investigations continue into the passport matter. This decision was announced by Mason Smith, the Permanent Secretary for Immigration.
Grace Road Group has since issued a statement, denying any wrongdoing and claiming that the situation has been exaggerated by false information. They highlighted that children born in Fiji are entitled to citizenship under the Citizenship of Fiji Act 2009, asserting that no ministerial approval is necessary. The Group claims the controversy originates from political targeting and misinterpretation of the law.
Additionally, the Ministry of Employment has identified 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 vowed to continue monitoring for compliance with Fiji’s employment laws, reinforcing that these laws apply equally to all workers and urging Grace Road to rectify any breaches.
Overall, this situation underscores the necessity for ethics and transparency within government operations, particularly regarding sensitive matters like immigration. It also reflects an ongoing commitment by both the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Employment to uphold the law and protect citizens’ rights.
In a broader sense, this investigation could catalyze stronger governance and greater accountability within the government structure, fostering public trust in authority and ensuring that Fijians receive fair treatment in civic matters.
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