196 immigrants granted Fijian citizenship in 2016 - Saumaka

196 immigrants were granted Fijian citizenship in 2016.

Acting Deputy Director of Immigration Litia Saumaka says this includes immigrants from Australia, New Zealand, China, Canada, USA, India, UK, Korea, Samoa, Philippines, Bangladesh, Netherlands, France, Kiribati, Malaysia, Nauru, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Acting Deputy Director of Immigration Litia Saumaka

Saumaka says that these immigrants have met the 5 years criteria prior to the lodgement and processing of their application.

When the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence questioned her about the status of people coming illegally, Saumaka stated that it was being handled by the Fiji Police Force.

Saumaka also highlighted the 2 citizenship criteria which all immigrants’ needs to have before ticking the box for their citizenship.