Visa bond, restrictions not raised in US talks: PM

Visa bond requirements and the reported halting of immigrant visas for Fijians were not part of discussions between Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau during their bilateral meeting in Suva on Saturday.

The United States temporarily suspended processing immigrant visas (for those seeking to move permanently) for citizens of 75 countries, including Fiji, beginning January this year.

Also from January this year, some Fijians applying for B1/B2 visitor visas were required to pay a refundable visa bond of US$5,000, US$10,000 or up to US$15,000, depending on consular assessment.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Rabuka said the issue was not included in talks focused on the Millennium Challenge discussions.

“No, that will not be part of this Millennium Challenge discussion. But the immigration one is also something that we would like to take up with them,” Mr Rabuka said.

He indicated that immigration concerns would depend on how Fiji is assessed by US authorities.

“It all depends on how we feature in the assessment of our nationals' behavior and respect for their sovereignty.

“As I mentioned right at the beginning, when they came up with illegal immigrants, illegal Fijian immigrants were there. And we are not the only one.”

Mr Rabuka stressed that Fiji should be treated fairly in comparison with other countries.

“Other countries, we have to be treated equally with others, although we enjoy a long history of very good relationships.”

The Prime Minister’s comments come amid public concern over recent US measures affecting immigrant visa applicants from Fiji.

The United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau departed Fiji for Samoa yesterday.