6031 applications for dual citizenship

Most of the applications received under Fiji’s multiple citizenship policies are from former Fiji citizens residing in Australia and New Zealand.

Immigration Minister Hon. Timoci Natuva said 6031 applications for multiple citizenships had been received between April 2009 to March 31, 2016.

NATIVUA: “Most of the applicants have been former Fiji citizens residing in Australia and New Zealand.”

Minister Natuva said 1036 applications were received in 2014, and the number is expected to rise each year.

Government MP Hon. Jilila Kumar had asked Minister a parliamentary question:

KUMAR: “Can the Minister inform this House on the number of dual citizenship granted under the Citizens Decree of 2009 and the benefits to all Fijian?”

Minister Natuva did not clarify how many applications were granted.

When asked by National Federation Party MP Hon. Prem Singh on why applications from some former Fiji citizens had not been approved, Minister Natuva said there was a committee in place which reviewed applications and recommended grants.

The Opposition further queried on the number of grants to people who were not former Fiji citizens, to which Minister Natuva responded that he would get the statistics and send a written response later.

Under Fiji’s multiple citizenship policies, applicants need not renounce other citizenships.

Fiji Citizenship is governed by the Citizenship of Fiji Decree 2009, and can be acquired by:

• Birth
• Registration
• Naturalization

More information is available from the Department of Immigration.