9 Feb 2021

Fiji's credibility is at stake over deportation of Ahluwalia says opposition

9:17 am on 9 February 2021

Fiji's opposition National Federation Party says Fiji's credibility as a leading state in the region is at stake over the government's deportation of the Canadian vice-chancellor of the University of the South Pacific.

The opposition walked out of parliament yesterday after the Speaker disallowed urgent questions about the removal of Pal Ahluwalia and his wife, saying the matter wasn't of public importance

Their sudden expulsion to Australia followed a finding by the immigration authorities that Professor Ahluwalia posed a risk to public order and good government of the Fiji Islands.

The opposition unsuccessfully attempted to get the government's explanation of the specific breaches of the Immigration Act for which the two were deported.

The NFP said Fiji's shaky reputation for basic human rights has again been called into question all over the world.