Chinese nationals not threat: Chaudhry
Friday August 31, 2007

Interim Finance Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry

Chinese nationals coming to Fiji without visitor's visas will not pose any threat to country, says interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.

Chaudhry said he does not see any possible threats of allowing Chinese nationals to travel to Fiji saying "they will also have to adhere to Immigration rules and policies".

"Well I don't see any major threats because everyone who comes to Fiji regardless of their color, gender or where they come from they have to meet the appropriate laws and regulations before they can enter Fiji. It is the responsibility of the Immigration and Customs Authority to ensure that we don't have any illegal immigrant into this country.

"I know recently some people have been exaggerating in allowing Chinese nationals from mainland China without visas and this will pose a major danger. But I think if the appropriate authorities responsible in Fiji keep alert than it there should not be problems as such," he said.

Chaudhry said it is not right to discriminate a particular race of people and make decisions on false predictions.

"I believe it is inappropriate to discriminate a particular race of people and predict that they will create problems. I think that the decision taken as been a wise one and we will take appropriate actions if any problems arise. The relevant Government officials, Police and the Immigration have an important role to play in this and if they do their jobs properly than I don't see any major problem," he said.