The Immigration Department has raised concerns about Fiji potentially being used as a “safe haven” by individuals flagged under international law enforcement notices.
Permanent secretary for Immigration Aliki Vuli Salusalu told the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) that gaps in legal clarity allowed some individuals to remain in the country despite serious concerns.
“We’ve been questioned… that we become a safe haven for people that are under Interpol… and they use legal process to stay,” he said.
He said such individuals often relied on court procedures to delay removal.
“And they use legal process to stay,” Mr Salusalu reiterated.
The department is now seeking clearer definitions, particularly around national security.
“Can we have an explicit definition… in terms of the removal process, and determine that some… have impinged national security.”
Fiji Immigration Department argued that current provisions were insufficient to deal with such cases decisively.
CRC chairman Sevuloni Valenitabua agreed the issue required attention.
“If there is already an order… then they should not use a court… to delay the process,” he said.
The commission heard that clearer legislation, possibly outside the Constitution, may be needed to strengthen enforcement while maintaining legal safeguards.
