Continuous Breaches Led To Pal's Deportation: Immigration Department

University of the South Pacific Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Aluwahlia is adamant that he is able to work remotely after he was deported this morning.

Professor Aluwahlia and his wife Sandra Jane Price departed Nadi on the 10.30am Brisbane flight.

In a statement this afternoon, the Fijian Immigration Department confirmed ordering the couple to leave Fiji with immediate effect following continuous breaches by both individuals of Section 13 of the Immigration Act.

"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.

"Mr Aluwahlia and Ms Price were foreign citizens in Fiji on work permits. After repeated breaches by both individuals of the stated provisions of Section 13 of the Immigration Act, their actions have clearly violated the terms of their work permits, resulting in their subsequent deportation. 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."

The statement said that 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 socioeconomic development.

"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," the Department said.

Meanwhile, USP staff expressed their concern  about the way Immiration officials removed Professor Aluwahlia and his wife from their home.

A statement from the Association of University of the South Pacific staff and the University of the south Pacific Staff Union said demanded that Government provide a justification.

Opposition Leader, Viliame Gavoka also issued a statement and condemned the action taken by the authorities.

"This episode unfortunately will have a drastic impact on Fiji's relationship with our Pacific Island nations and their people. As a people within a much larger Pacific Community, the unilateral treatment of the region’s university leader by Fiji shows contempt to our Pacific family. These acts of thuggery by the Fiji Government and its servants will not go unasked," Mr Gavoka said.

Feedback: rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj