PM should immediately rescind the deportation order of Ahluwalia and his wife – Prasad

National Federation Party Leader, Professor Biman Prasad says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, in his capacity as Minister for Immigration, should immediately rescind the deportation order of USP Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia and his wife.

Prasad says this deplorable action taken by the government will not be tolerated by all law abiding citizens as well as USP Member countries.

Prasad says the government is showing zero respect for the 50 years of work thousands of leaders, public servants, staff and students have done to make this the most successful South Pacific regional body.

He further says while they cry about climate change on the world stage, they work intentionally to destroy the institution that can drive progress and change in island countries through education.

The government has stated that the Fijian Immigration Department has ordered two foreign nationals, Pal Aluwahlia and his partner, Sandra Jane Price, to leave Fiji with immediate effect following continuous breaches by both individuals of Section 13 of the Immigration Act.

It says that under Section 13 of the Immigration Act 2003, no foreigner is permitted to conduct themselves in a manner prejudicial to the peace, defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, security, or good government of Fiji.

The government statement says Aluwahlia and Price were foreign citizens in Fiji on work permits.

It says after repeated breaches by both individuals of the provisions of Section 13 of the Immigration Act, their actions have clearly violated the terms of their work permits, resulting in their subsequent deportation.

The government says similar criteria have been applied to other foreign nationals in Fiji in the past and, as a sovereign nation, Fiji will continue to enforce a zero-tolerance policy towards any breaches of its immigration law.

It says there are thousands of foreign citizens on work permits in Fiji who conduct themselves and their business in line with the requirements of the Immigration Act while making invaluable contributions to Fiji's socio-economic development.

The government further says following recent amendments to Fiji's Immigration Act, foreign nationals can work and do business in Fiji more easily than ever, and Fiji will continue to welcome foreign nationals whose contributions, experience, and investments enrich the lives of the Fijian people.