4 Nov 2003

CCF threatens court action against Fiji government over Immigration Bill

11:19 am on 4 November 2003

The Citizen's Constitutional Forum has threatened to take the Fiji government to court over what it says is a racist provision of the new Immigration Bill.

Fiji TV reports that at issue is a section of the bill which says indigenous Fijians who have taken up citizenship in other countries may resume their Fijian citizenship on their return.

All other former Fiji citizens would be treated as foreigners andwould need a permit.

The executive director of the CCF, the Rev Akuila Yabaki, says the provision is racist as it is aimed at Indo-Fijians.

The Rev Yabaki says the bill is unconstitutional and was rushed through parliament without adequate consideration.

The CCF will challenge the matter in court.