No Word from Immigration Minister on China Visa Deal

Fiji’s Immigration Minister, Villiame Naupoto, has still not responded to our questions as to why Fiji continues to have a visa-free travel deal with China — or how it benefits everyday Fijians.

The policy was introduced in 2015 under the FijiFirst government, allowing Chinese citizens to enter Fiji without a visa for up to four months, and giving Fijians the same privilege when visiting China. It was promoted as a way to boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people links.

But concerns are growing. Just in the last few days, five Chinese nationals were arrested in Fiji for allegedly running a sophisticated methamphetamine operation.

Law enforcement agencies across the Pacific have long warned that Chinese-linked organised crime is active in the region.

International reports have also tied Chinese companies, some with Chinese government links, to the export of chemicals used in drug production.

We have sent questions asking how this policy is really helping Fijians — whether through tourism, jobs, or easier travel — and how it plans to keep the country safe from the rising threat of organised crime.

The Chinese Embassy in Fiji has issued a statement urging its nationals to follow laws, however multiple reports from international agencies such as Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA have directly tied Chinese government involvement in supplying ingredients required to manufacture drugs.