Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced his readiness to intervene if necessary in the ongoing investigation into the alleged unauthorized issuance of Fijian passports, which are reportedly linked to the Grace Road Group and raise serious human rights concerns. Should Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, choose to step aside, Rabuka is prepared to manage the immigration portfolio himself or select a replacement from within the current lineup.
In comments made from Australia, Tikoduadua stressed that the passports in question were issued without his knowledge or the approval of senior immigration officials, indicating a breakdown in the procedural chain. He is open to stepping aside upon the Prime Minister’s advice but awaits a direct discussion with Rabuka before any commitments are made. Both leaders are set to meet on Monday to deliberate on the situation.
In parallel, the director of Immigration, Amelia Komaisavai, has been placed on leave as the investigation continues. Permanent Secretary for Immigration, Mason Smith, initiated this action amidst growing scrutiny over the passport issuance.
Grace Road Group, however, denies the allegations and describes them as exaggerated misinformation. In their defense, they assert that children born in Fiji automatically receive citizenship under the Citizenship of Fiji Act 2009, and thus, no further ministerial authorization is needed. The organization points to the claims as politically motivated and argues for an accurate interpretation of the law.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Employment has discovered violations of the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1996 during reviews of Grace Road’s operations in Fiji. Minister Agni Deo Singh has promised comprehensive investigations and emphasized compliance to safeguard both local and migrant workers. He urged Grace Road to address these violations and ensure workers receive the benefits they are entitled to.
As this situation unfolds, there is hope that the investigations will lead to transparency and accountability, reinforcing the importance of following legal protocols and protecting workers’ rights while clarifying the citizenship laws. The outcome can serve as a precedent to uphold justice and the integrity of government processes in Fiji.
Leave a comment