Dual citizenship is now open to former Fiji citizens – but it comes at a cost - $3000.
Interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama made the announcement through the Citizenship Decree 2010 while delivering his 2009 national Budget address recently.
The decision was welcomed by some and criticized by many on various websites and blogs.
Mr Bainimarama said: "They and their spouses and immediate descendants would automatically be entitled to an indefinite permanent residency status at a cost of $3000 per person.
"Such permanent residency will give them almost all the rights and privileges of Fiji citizens, including the right to invest and work," Mr Bainimarama added.
Said Krish on Fijilive.com: “What a joke ... Any person (s) born in Fiji has a "natural" permanent residency or citizenship. So why pay $3000?”
Katalina Balawanilotu: “I will pay the $3K after Fiji returns to parliamentary democracy. It's a good idea but I don't want to get this kind of benefit under the gun. That would be wrong no matter how much I like to personally benefit from the move.”
Joe: “$3000 is discouraging; perhaps a time frame of a year to acquire Fijian citizenship after which the 3K applies may be a better option. The acquisition to be made in person only at the relevant govt dept in Fiji will attract a huge influx and the tourist dollars will make up for the 3K or thereabouts.”
The interim Fiji Government has also setup the Foreign Currency Account Scheme, which will attract non-residents, including former Fiji citizens, to send their funds through the banking system to deposit in local bank accounts.
"For foreign currency accounts, any amount maybe placed in fixed deposit but interest income for deposits above the equivalent of $300,000.00 will be exempt from local tax. This scheme is expected to impact positively on our foreign reserves and will be operational from January 1, 2010."