Fiji's immigration plan opposed

Fiji's immigration plan opposed

SUVA (AFP): Retailers warned here yesterday that Fiji's infrastructure may be inadequate to cope with an influx of thousands of Hong Kong Chinese migrants under a government-backed business migration plan.

Government backbencher Ratu Inoke Kubuabola has joined growing opposition to the scheme, warning against the social and political impact of having large numbers of immigrants moving into Fiji's rural areas.

Suva Retailer's Association president Himmat Lodhia, speaking on behalf of the retail industry, supported the comments of others that infrastructure could be inadequate, saying the government might be "opening up a whole Pandora's box of surprises" if it went ahead with the scheme.

The government announced last week it was considering a proposal submitted by a Hong Kong company to accept immigrants from Hong Kong.

A Cabinet subcommittee headed by Home Minister Paul Manueli recommended that the immigrants be accepted for a fee of US$ 30,000 and a further $ 100,000 in investment projects, which was expected to create 50,000 jobs.

It proposed restricting the initial intake to 7,000 families, or 28,000 people, in total.

But other unofficial reports say the figure could be as high as 150,000 with the government expecting up to three billion dollars in investment proposals.

There has been widespread opposition in Fiji to the scheme from all quarters, including the government's coalition partner, the General Voters Party, which said the government's priority should be to provide jobs for about 13,000 school leavers who could not find jobs.

Fiji Labor Party president Jokapeci Koroi said such a large influx of immigrants would compound Fiji's social problems since there would be extra pressure on schools, medical facilities, housing and employment opportunities.

There have also been fears expressed against the unsavory effects of Chinese immigration.

Ratu Inoke warned: "We could be opening ourselves up to the Triads and other crime syndicates."

Lodhia urged that Fiji take heed of lessons from neighboring Australia and New Zealand.

He alleged some Fiji politicians may be on "the take" on this scheme, adding that "there may be a lot of money to be made by a few individuals."