Uneasy End

To Fijians'

Easy Visas

Twelve Fijians, who arrived in Australia by air on February 22, vir tually confirmed suspicions held by Australian immigration officers about their bona fides. The Fijians arrived under the “easy visa” sys tem, which allows people in for a holiday, but does not allow them to work. The Fijians were deported on March 6 after being arrested in a Sydney hotel bar.

Within two or three days of arriv ing home they decided to apply to the Australian High Commission in Suva for permission to migrate to Australia. Application forms were obtained for them by Mr Apisai Tora, Fiji parliamentarian, who figured prominently in the whole episode.

Australia’s Immigration Minister, Mr A1 Grassby, a colourful and in tensely humane person, was angered by the whole business. He said he had evidence of a racket and sus pended the “easy visa” system be tween Australia and Fiji. The Fijians, on their arrival, were told to report to the immigration office in Sydney the Monday after they arrived.

When they failed to turn up, Mr Grassby said they had ignored the direction and gave every indication they intended to abuse the hospital ity of Australia and its people. Mr Grassby also warned they would be deported and would not be allowed to apply for permission to enter Australia for another five years.

Mr Tora flew to Australia when the matter blew up and through a friend, Dr Jim Cairns, the Minister for Overseas Trade, was able to see Mr Grassby. What transpired at his talks with Mr Grassby was not re vealed, but as the men were later deported, it was obvious Mr Tora did not get very much change.

A lot of hot air passed between the Australian High Commission in Suva and Mr Tora. The commission said that Mr Tora, through Western Tours, of Nadi, arranged the men’s visit to Australia, and alleged he had done that in his capacity as a travel agent. Mr Tora denied it, say ing his sole role was to make repre sentations on behalf of the men in his capacity as a parliamentarian.

He had previously made similar ap plications.

A few days later, a Nadi travel