We always comply-Forum Secretariat

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva said they do not receive work or visa's or permits form the Government of Fiji.

Responding to queries of delays on their international staff receiving visa clearance to work in Fiji, the Suva Secretariat said while they do receive visa exemptions, which are accorded to staff of all such diplomatic missions and international organizations, they have been actively pursuing with Fiji officials their concerns over delays in facilitating entry to Fiji of a number of international staff appointed to positions in the Secretariat.

The Secretariat said they are working with the Foreign Affairs Ministry to resolve any issues in the hope of minimizing any impacts on the Secretariat's work in the service of all Forum members.

The Forum Secretariat goes on to say that they have at all times complied with all laws, guidelines and regulations prescribed by the Government of Fiji regarding working arrangements for its staff, and they follow the same processes for obtaining appropriate exemptions as other such missions and organization based in Fiji.