Parliament has unanimously passed the Public Health Amendment Bill which means that foreigners coming to Fiji will have to pay for their quarantine costs.
The amendment now allows the Minister for Health through his Permanent Secretary to charge people coming to Fiji privately or foreigners who come to Fiji to stay here or for holiday purposes.
While contributing to the debate, SODELPA’s Ro Teimumu Kepa says why is government risking the lives and livelihood of people living in Ovalau and other maritime areas in Fiji by allowing over 70 yachts to enter and berth in their waters.
She has also questioned why the government has not taken seriously the objection and concerns voiced by the people of Vanuabalavu.
In response, Sayed-Khaiyum says just because foreigners will be paying quarantine costs, it does not mean they will get the final say as to where their quarantine station will be.
He says this will have to be assessed by the Ministry of Health and all safeguards will be put in place.
Sayed-Khaiyum adds the issue about India has been raised a couple of times and the people who have been accepted from India are Fijian citizens who went to India for surgeries.
He says they can’t leave them as they are Fijian citizens.
