8 Jun 2009

Kiribati committee to probe immigration approvals

9:31 am on 8 June 2009

Kiribati's parliament has formed a four-man select committee to investigate the legality of foreign investors operating in the country.

The committee has indicated it will concentrate on the Chinese business community which is growing rapidly.

MP Teatao Teannaki, who is chairing the new committee, says their terms of reference include revisiting the Principal Immigration Officer's decision and

authority to grant entry to foreigners and extend their stay.

Mr Teannaki says he thinks the House is keen to know if illegal activities have been influenced by any government ministers or high ranking officials.

He says corruption is the key word, adding that if there is any, it will be contained in the report which is expected to be tabled in August.