26 people are living in Fiji as refugees, of whom 18 are employed. This was confirmed in Parliament by Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto, who highlighted that from 2018 to 2025, a total of 65 Refugee Status Determination processes were conducted, of which 38 individuals were recognised as refugees.
Naupoto says out of these 38, 10 resettled in New Zealand, 2 have voluntarily returned to their own home countries after the situation improved and 26 remain in Fiji.
He says they are working at the Grand Pacific Hotel as housekeepers, Salvation Army, Extra supermarket, a few of them operating their own businesses (selling perfumes), one is a market vendor in one of our local markets, one is running a small eatery restaurant, four are students in high and primary schools around Suva, four are still looking for work but they are supported by their families from overseas.
Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu says the 1951 Refugee Convention defines refugees as those displaced by war and does not recognise climate migrants.
Seruiratu is urging the government and the Minister to seriously consider the growing challenge of climate migration and internal displacement in the region.
While responding, Naupoto says he agrees with Seruiratu, as climate displacement is an issue now, but they can’t say that it is more important than those who are fleeing from their homes because of persecution and seeking refuge elsewhere.
He adds that, in his view, they are the same and he is sure the world is looking at frameworks that can help those who are displaced because of climate-related issues.
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