Many people who attended the first public consultations on the review of Immigration Act 2003 agree that iTaukei people born overseas should be granted automatic Fijian citizenship rather than applying for it.

The first round of consultation began at the Civic Centre in Suva yesterday.

More than 20 people attending the event all agree that the Immigration Act 2003 be amended to allow iTaukei born overseas easy access in acquiring their citizenship in Fiji.

Josaia Gonewai from the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) said the party believed Fijians who reside overseas be exempted from visa requirements, especially those whose names were already registered under the Vola ni Kawabula (VKB).

He said it was only natural that Fijians be grated automatic Fijian citizenship as their registration on the VKB indicated their heritage and connection to their ancestral land.

Mr Gonewai said the thousands of Fijians who moved abroad for greener pastures had often been denied from participating in events happening in their home country.

He said the regulations in place had resulted in some Fijians been deported or given notice to leave Fiji because of their passports.

The SODELPA representative said there needed to be a system in place for the immigration registration and the VKB for consulate generals and ambassadors overseas as most of them must await their return to Fiji to register their children.

Consultations on the Act will continue around the country while written submissions close on May 4, where the results of the consultations will be presented to Cabinet.

Source: Fiji Times