The opposition in Fiji has called for the suspension of visa free entry for China's nationals following the mass deportation of fraud suspects to China this month.
Seventy-seven Chinese nationals, accused of running an online scam targeting people in China, were rounded up and flown from Nadi on the fourth of August.
Visa free access for Chinese passport holders was brought in more than two years ago for those visiting for less than thirty days.
But SODELPA's defence spokesperson Mosese Bulitavu told Sally Round the people of Fiji are in the dark about how the policy's monitored.
Sodelpa Party Headquarters
Photo: RNZI / Sally Round
Transcript
MOSESE BULITAVU: Even though this has happened through that case that has happened with seven nationals, it calls for a review of the visa application given that the problems have come up I think that there are other issues that could be associated with it in regards to crime rates in Fiji, and in regards to even businesses who have been set up in Fiji that we don't know the real background, and the background of people coming in and going out whether they are involved with hard drugs, whether it's money laundering or whether they are agents of human trafficking these are bigger and broader issues that will affect Fiji's national security and sovereignty.
SALLY ROUND: And what are your constituents, what are they saying? What are they telling you? Are they telling you that they are worried about this?
MB: Yes of course everywhere where you go in Fiji they are saying that they are worried about this. The ever increasing numbers of Chinese nationals who come in Fiji and also who come in to operate in small business. They question how they do come into Fiji and what their interest is here and how they play a big role in the economy and slowly they are taking over businesses in Fiji and also given their exploration licenses for minerals. These are the questions that are coming from the people in Fiji.
SR: There are 110 countries that don't need a visa to come to Fiji. Do you have any issues with other passport holders?
MB: Well probably there needs to be a review if we look into countries that pose a direct threat. As for China at the moment, the way we look at things given that China gives the highest number of foreign direct investment to Fiji's economy and also Fiji attaining the most number of loans from the Asian Development Bank, the serious concern is that we need to take control here rather than outside or by any other foreign country. Again if there are other threats listed by some other countries then it probably still needs to be reviewed by government.
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