16 Feb 2007

Fiji interim administration eases return of former citizens

10:31 am on 16 February 2007

Fiji's interim administration will change immigration laws to enable former citizens who have migrated and taken citizenship in other countries to return as permanent residents.

The interim prime minister, Commodore Bainimarama, says permanent residence will give the former citizens the freedom to invest, work and conduct business in Fiji on the same basis as Fiji citizens.

It will also help to arrest the brain drain which continues to cause major socio-economic problems for Fiji.

Commodore Bainimarama says permanent residents in this category will only be restricted from being issued with Fiji passports and voting in national elections.

He says the interim cabinet has already approved the amendments to be made to regulations.