Concerns have been raised about whether former Fijian citizens with low-level criminal records can regain their Fijian citizenship and invest in Fiji.
This was raised during the New Zealand Fiji Business Council business mission by Amerinz Legal Fiji Barrister and Solicitor Prakash Mani, who asked the Minister what the government's position was on potential investors who are former Fijian nationals and have a record for a minor crime.
Mani questioned whether they could regain their Fijian citizenship, saying that low-level criminal records should not be a barrier to returning home.
Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto says the current law gives the Minister discretion to assess citizenship applications based on three key factors that includes commitment, contribution and character.
Insert: Naupoto on former citizen 15th June.
Naupoto says he is considering possible legal amendments to create a fairer approach for former citizens, particularly those applying through exemptions or descent-based pathways, while still maintaining national security safeguards.
Meanwhile, the discussion formed part of a broader session featuring Register of Companies Office Acting Registrar Neil Singh, who outlined Fiji’s investment framework and digital reforms aimed at improving business registration processes.
Singh says every registered company represents an idea and a vote of confidence in Fiji’s economy, adding that Fiji remains open for business with strong regulatory systems and growing investor confidence.
He highlights reforms including beneficial ownership laws passed in May 2025, requiring companies to disclose the true individuals who ultimately own or control them, aligning Fiji with international anti–money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards.
Singh says the Registrar of Companies now provides a fully digital system through the “Digital Fiji” portal, allowing online company registration, business name reservations, and access to corporate information without visiting offices.
He also outlines the introduction of ROC Pass and e-profile systems, which enable directors and shareholders to manage company changes such as directorships and ownership updates online.
Singh says compliance is not just a legal obligation but a competitive advantage, helping businesses attract investors and access finance more easily.
He further explains foreign investment requirements, including residency conditions for directors and capital remittance rules requiring investment funds to be transferred within three months of incorporation.
Singh says Fiji is working to ensure it becomes one of the easiest places in the Pacific to establish and grow a business while maintaining strong regulatory oversight.
