Minister for Transport Ro Filipe has agreed to examine concerns over a possible conflict between taxi permit regulations and the Investment Act, following questions raised by Opposition Premila Kumar in Parliament.
Kumar raised the issue while questioning whether Fijians with dual citizenship are legally allowed to operate taxi businesses in Fiji.
Ro Filipe says dual citizens are eligible to hold taxi permits, provided they are Fijian citizens and meet the requirement to reside in Fiji for at least six months within any 12-month period.
He says these requirements are outlined under the Public Service Vehicle Regulations 2000.
The Minister explains that holding dual citizenship does not automatically disqualify a person from obtaining a taxi permit.
However, he says permit holders who move overseas or no longer meet the residency requirements, could have their eligibility reviewed by the Land Transport Authority.
Meanwhile, Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya questioned how the LTA monitors whether taxi permit holders comply with the six-month residency requirement.
Ro Filipe acknowledged that he cannot confirm the exact monitoring process, but suggested that the LTA may be able to cross-check its records with information held by the relevant authorities on people travelling in and out of Fiji.
Kumar also raised concerns that the taxi permit regulations may conflict with provisions of the Investment Act and asked whether the Minister would examine the issue.
Ro Filipe agreed to look into the matter, saying regulations must be consistent with existing laws.
He assured Parliament that the concerns raised will be examined.
