Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced his willingness to intervene in the ongoing investigation regarding the unauthorized issuance of Fijian passports. This decision comes in light of Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, expressing his readiness to step aside while the investigation takes place.
The passports in question are alleged to have been issued to children of individuals associated with the Grace Road Group, an entity facing human rights allegations. Tikoduadua has firmly stated that these passports were issued without his knowledge and lacked the necessary approval from senior management within the Department of Immigration. He is awaiting further discussions with Rabuka before any final decision is made regarding his position.
The Prime Minister has indicated that any potential replacement for Tikoduadua will either be drawn from his current team or he may take on the immigration portfolio himself, emphasizing the importance of assessing the situation firsthand. A meeting is scheduled for Monday for Rabuka and Tikoduadua to address the matter directly.
Adding to the investigation, Amelia Komaisavai, the Director of Immigration, has been placed on administrative leave as the inquiry continues.
In a related response, the Grace Road Group has denied all allegations of misconduct, labeling the controversy as a result of “sensationalized false information.” They maintain that children born in Fiji have the right to citizenship under the Citizenship of Fiji Act 2009 and assert that the situation is a politically motivated misunderstanding of the law.
Moreover, the Ministry of Employment has discovered violations of the Employment Relations Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act at Grace Road’s operations, highlighting the need for compliance with Fiji’s labor laws. Minister Agni Deo Singh has reiterated the commitment to ensure fair treatment for all workers, regardless of their status, and has urged Grace Road to rectify the identified issues.
This situation underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in government and business practices in Fiji, which could ultimately strengthen trust in public institutions. As investigations continue, it may pave the way for long-term improvements in policy and governance that benefit all Fijians.
In summary, Prime Minister Rabuka’s proactive approach and the response from the Grace Road Group reflect the dynamic nature of this unfolding situation, suggesting a critical moment for governance and compliance in Fiji.
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