17 December 2008

NZ waiting for decision on future of Fiji's High Commissioner

The New Zealand government is waiting for the Fiji government to make a decision regarding the future of the Acting High Commissioner in Suva, reports Radio New Zealand International.

Caroline McDonald is threatened with expulsion from the High Commission in Suva if the New Zealand immigration service refuses a student visa for the son of the official secretary to the Fijian leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

The New Zealand government imposed visa sanctions on the incumbent military regime and those related to the Fijian military, who overthrew the ruling government in 2006.  As a result, son of Bainimarama's secretary is denied a visa for New Zealand.

It is reported a decision regarding the expulsion would be made today.  The New Zealand government is maintaining its no-visa policy for those connected to the regime despite the threat from the regime. 

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The New Zealand Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people with their New Zealand visa application.

Article by Jessica Bird, New Zealand Visa Bureau.