Former VC of UniFiji loses case against the AG, the PS and Director of Immigration

The Suva High Court has refused the application of the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fiji Sushila Krishnaswamy for judicial review at the start for the lack of jurisdiction.

She had taken the Attorney General, the Permanent Secretary for Immigration and the Director of Immigration to court after she was declared a prohibited immigrant and her work permit was cancelled in March.

Krishnaswamy had left Fiji on or around 22nd March this year when there was partial lockdown of the Lautoka area due to COVID-19.

Restriction of movement of people was imposed to curtail the spread of the pandemic.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama had subsequently announced that Krishnaswamy had been declared a prohibited immigrant for an indefinite period.

Krishnaswamy had admitted that she heard the Prime Minister in his 2 pm announcements that she was prohibited from entering Fiji. She was also notified by an email from the Pro-Chancellor of the University, that she was declared a prohibited immigrant.

Justice Deepthị Amaratunga says the Prime Minister, in his capacity as the Minister responsible for the Immigration Act 2003, considered Krishnaswamy’s conduct as a person who had acted in a manner prejudicial to the public safety and public health of Fijians.