Govt to soon go through parliamentary process to amend Land Sales Act

The government will soon go through the parliamentary process to amend the Land Sales Act which will ensure that no non-resident may acquire any interest in any state or freehold land for residential purpose.

As highlighted by Fijivillage after the 2015 National Budget, a major initiative has been announced in relation to land to ensure that non Fiji residents can only lease i-Taukei land for residential purposes or only purchase strata title properties.

A strata title is a form of ownership devised for multi‑level apartment blocks.

When the bill to amend the Land Sales Act is passed in parliament, non-residents will no longer be able to buy freehold land or lease state land for residential purposes.

Instead they can only lease i-taukei land which will increase the value of i-taukei land which will benefit the i-taukei landowners.

The bill states that non-residents can acquire an interest in any state or freehold land for industrial or commercial purposes, tourism development purposes or such purposes as the Minister responsible for Finance deems necessary.

Any non-resident who contravenes the law shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $50,000 and any land or property acquired under the section shall upon an order from the court, be forfeited to the state.

Parliamentary debate on the bill to amend the Land Sales Act is expected soon.