Fijian nationality law

Fiji nationality law is contained in the provisions of the Citizenship of Fiji Decree 2009 and in the relevant provisions of the Fiji Constitution. A person may be a citizen of the Republic of Fiji through birth, registration or through naturalisation.

Fiji Citizenship Act
Parliament of Fiji
Enacted byGovernment of Fiji
Status: Current legislation

Acquisition of citizenship

At birth

Every Child born in the Fiji Islands on or after the date of commencement of the Citizenship of Fiji Decree 2009 (10 April 2009) becomes a Fiji citizen at the date of birth unless one parent has diplomatic immunity and neither parent is a citizen. [1]

By Registration

Citizenship through registration can happen through the following ways:[2]

  • Any child born outside Fiji becomes a citizen through registration at birth if either parent is a citizen of Fiji.
  • Any child adopted by Fiji citizens becomes a citizen through registration.
  • Any child under 18 who's parent has become a Fiji citizen.
  • Former adult Fiji citizens who wish to regain their Fiji citizenship.
  • Spouses of Fiji citizens. Applicants must have been lawfully present in Fiji for a total period of three of the five years immediately before the application.

By Naturalisation

A foreign national can apply for Fiji citizenship if he or she has been lawfully present in Fiji for a total of five of the ten years immediately before the application is made. Applicants don't need to renounce their previous citizenship.[3]

Loss of citizenship

Voluntary

A person should be permitted to renounce his or her Fiji citizenship only if he or she has attained the age of 21 years, and is a citizen of another country from the date of birth or has been granted the citizenship of another country by registration or naturalisation.

Involuntary

There are no provisions for the involuntary loss of Fiji citizenship except in the following circumstances:[4]

  • Where citizenship by registration or naturalisation was obtained by fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is recognised in Fiji and any Fiji citizen acquiring foreign citizenship will not lose their original citizenship in Fiji. Fiji citizens are not required to register or justify their dual citizenship status.

Commonwealth citizenship

Fijians are also Commonwealth citizens.

Travel freedom of Fijian citizens

Visa requirements for Fijian citizens
  Fiji
  Visa free
  Visa issued upon arrival
  eVisa
  Visa available both on arrival or online
  Visa required

References

  1. Fiji Constitution: chapter 3, Section 10 Citizenship by birth: Every child born in Fiji on or after the date of commencement of this Constitution becomes a citizen at the date of birth unless, at the date of birth: (a) a parent of the child has the diplomatic immunity accorded to envoys of foreign sovereign powers accredited to Fiji; and (b) neither parent is a citizen.
  2. "Fiji Citizenship".
  3. Citizenship, Dual. "Fiji".
  4. harp://www.paclii.org/fj/constitutional-docs-archives/reeves-report/ch6.pdf
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