'I Will Step In': Rabuka

I will step in, if all else fails, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed.

He will intervene should Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, step aside to allow investigations into the alleged unauthorised issuance of Fijian passports.

The passports in question were claimed to have been issued to children of individuals linked to Grace Road Group's human rights allegations.

When asked who might replace Mr Tikoduadua, Mr Rabuka said: "It will be from the lineup that we already have, or I will take on the immigration portfolio."

Speaking from Australia, Mr Tikoduadua said: "The passports appear to have been issued without my knowledge, without the approval of the permanent secretary, and without authorisation from senior management within the Department of Immigration."

Mr Tikoduadua has offered to step aside if advised by the Prime Minister, who confirmed receiving an email on the matter but intends to discuss it directly with him before making a decision.

"I will not decide on anything until I speak to him," Mr Rabuka said.

"I also want to ask him what he thinks should be done while he is out."

They are expected to meet on Monday.

Meanwhile, director of Immigration Amelia Komaisavai was placed on leave on Thursday.

Permanent Secretary for Immigration, Mason Smith issued the directive amid ongoing investigations into the unauthorised passport issuance.

Grace Road clarifies

In a statement on Friday; Grace Road Group refuted allegations of wrongdoing, describing the situation as "sensationalised false information".

They argued that children born in Fiji are entitled to citizenship under the Citizenship of Fiji Act 2009, adding that "no authorisation from the minister or ministry is required."

The Group also claimed the controversy stemmed from political targeting and an incorrect application of the law.

Employment ministry investigation Separately, the Ministry of Employment has identified breaches of the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1996 during inspections of Grace Road Company operations across Viti Levu.

Line Minister Agni Deo Singh pledged further investigations and emphasised the importance of compliance with Fiji's employment laws.

"The Fiji law applies equally to both local and migrant workers, and the ministry is committed to ensuring all employers adhere to the provisions of the law," he said. Grace Road has been urged to address the breaches and ensure workers receive their rightful entitlements.

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