All Fijians living overseas and registered in the Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB) and those who can prove that their ancestors held Fijian citizenship on October 10, 1970, will immediately qualify to enter, work, and live in Fiji.
Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua said the process would work as a “permit exemption” under immigration law.
“Of course, one has to apply for the exemption before entering Fiji, but once you do enter, you are free to work, reside, open up a bank account and do business in Fiji like any other Fijian,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
“It is our duty, our honour, to ensure that you are always welcome home and so, for those Fijians registered in the VKB, but living abroad we’re rolling out the mat and inviting you home. No longer will bureaucratic walls separate you from the land that cherishes you.
“To those descendants who carry a Fijian legacy in their blood, regardless of race, we say this: your heritage is our heritage. Your history is our history, your hopes are our hopes, our home is your home.”
Mr Tikoduadua said Fiji was at a pivotal moment in its history as it’s about to embrace a brighter and more inclusive future.
“We’re not just amending policies; we’re weaving dreams and bridging distances. Every Fijian, whether currently on our shores or afar carries with them a piece of Fiji and all Fijians no matter where they are, regard Fiji as their home.
“This great nation of ours can only succeed if we succeed together. For far too long we have been divided into this group or that, this religion or that, this province or background or that. The time has come that we embrace each other in the true spirit of tolerance, love and above all, humility.”
Mr Tikoduadua said this was a time to harness the power of our collective dreams “and to etch an indelible mark of unity on the canvas of our nation’s history”.