Thirteen refugees are currently in the country.
This was revealed by the Immigration Director Nemani Vuniwaqa after more than 30 applications from foreigners seeking asylum in Fiji were processed.
A total of 34 applications to seek asylum in the country were processed by the Immigration Department.
Only 20 refugees were confirmed with 13 remaining in the country.
” The UNCHR regions office is based in Canberra , they are the office who is assisting them in terms of funds , monthly allowance, they are the ones that are also liaising with the team here at the department in ensuring these group of people are cared for” said Vuniwaqa
Fiji has a duty to take in asylum seekers as a signatory of the Convention And Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees under the United Nations Refugee Agency.
Vuniwaqa said the accommodation and allowance for these refugees are taken care by the UN Refugee Agency.
” The confirmed ones are Afghanistan . We have about 8 from Afghanistan , Somalia, one from Pakistan, Nigeria,Eritrea, Ghana. I’m aware of a Congolese who has moved on to France, there are Russians who’ve moved on to New Zealand after the determination process and we still have a Tunisian who is still waiting for the outcome of the determination process, Bangladesh who is also still awaiting the outcome and Afghanistanee whose claims have not been verified and so he’s appealed the decision that’s been made and even that appeal was turned down from the country ” said Vuniwaqa
These refugees also have the liberty to apply for employment in the country as well as citizenship.
” The process is such that they’ll be issued with refugees ID card once they’re confirmed/ They’ll be issued with refugee cards to substantiate their identity and they can apply to work and once they attain requirements of being a citizen they can apply for citizenship” said Vuniwaqa
7 of those who had sought asylum in Fiji have been transferred to other countries.