Dialogue Fiji has raised concerns over what it describes as government interference with property rights following a decision by the Land Transport Authority to halt the buying and selling of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) permits.
In a statement, Dialogue Fiji said the move contradicts existing laws, noting that PSV permits are recognised as personal property under Section 65A of the Land Transport Act 1998 and can be used as collateral under the Personal Property Securities Act 2017.
“This is not just a licence anymore. The law turned PSV permits into real assets that people could buy, finance and invest in,” said Dialogue Fiji executive director Nilesh Lal.
Mr Lal said the sudden restriction removes a fundamental element of ownership — the ability to transfer or sell — raising serious legal and economic concerns.
He said many Fijians had lawfully purchased permits, secured loans and treated them as long-term investments.
“These are hardworking, law-abiding citizens who trusted the legal system… and now the rules have been changed on them overnight,” he said.
Dialogue Fiji warned the move could significantly reduce the value of permits and affect their use as loan collateral.
The organisation also criticised the lack of consultation and transition measures, saying such reforms should include stakeholder engagement and impact assessments.
“This sends a chilling message to every investor in Fiji,” Mr Lal said.
Dialogue Fiji has called for reforms to be implemented in a fair, lawful and predictable manner to protect confidence in the country’s legal and economic systems.
