17 Aug 2018

Fiji union leader calls for transparency on Grace Road workers

From , 5:03 am on 17 August 2018

A union leader says the government needs to explain how hundreds of Koreans have been allowed in to Fiji to work for firms connected to the controversial Grace Road Church.

Police are investigating the South Korean church's Fijian branch after its founder was arrested in Seoul for enslavement.

Three people have been detained in Fiji and there are reports the church has taken legal action to stop deportations.

The Grace Road Group of companies runs dozens of businesses in Fiji employing at least 300 Koreans and 100 locals.

Felix Anthony of the Fiji Trades Union Congress told Sally Round the case has exposed local immigration and labour authorities.

Shin Ok-ju, the founder of Grace Road Church, was jailed in South Korea in 2019 for enslaving some 400 followers in Fiji.

Shin Ok-ju, the founder of Grace Road Church, was jailed in South Korea in 2019 for enslaving some 400 followers in Fiji. Photo: Grace Road Church