16 Jun 2014

Fiji Labour Party questions visa trips

7:34 pm on 16 June 2014

The Fiji Labour Party has called into question a move by the immigration department to send an official team to Australia to handle requests for Fiji passports.

The party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, says the task should be handled by the overseas mission, and the move is questionable so close to the September election.

The Immigration Director, Nemani Vuniwaqa, told media on Saturday that it's the first time the department will have sent teams abroad for the purpose.

Mr Chaudhry says the Fiji First leader, Rear Admiral Frank Bainimarama, should also clarify reports that Fiji passports are on offer for 750 US dollars, as a donation to Fiji First, with the recipients being qualified to vote in the September polls.

The allegation was made last week by the United Front for a Democratic Fiji, following the Fiji leader's visit to the United States.

Mr Chaudhry says the integrity of the 2014 elections is at stake and the moves are pre-determined and orchestrated to rig the September polls.