Fiji citizenship for indian

Fiji PR and Fiji citizenship are two immigration programs that allow you to live in the country for a specified period of time. However, there is a huge difference between the two.

Fiji PR stands for permanent residency in Fiji. It allows any foreign national to reside in the country as a permanent resident. With a PR status, you can work, study and live across any part of Fiji without any restrictions.

On the other hand, becoming a citizen of Fiji not only gives you the right to live forever in Fiji but also makes you eligible for various benefits offered only to citizens. These include the right to vote, social security benefits, employment benefits, and so on. Simply put, you get to enjoy all the rights and privileges laid under Fijian law.

By Birth

According to the Fijian Citizenship Act of 2009, any child born in the country on or after the commencement date becomes a citizen of Fiji automatically.

By Registration

Child of a Fiji Citizen

If you are an Indian but any one of your parents is Fijian, you can apply for citizenship in Fiji by registration under this route. If you are below 18, you must complete and submit citizenship application form A, B, C and I along with the certificate A. Moreover, if you are over 18, then you need to submit the same application forms but the certificate B.

Further, if the applicant is below 11 years of age, the responsible parent must give their consent and sign the citizenship application.

Former Citizen of Fiji

This citizenship pathway is available for applicants who are currently citizens of another country but were previously citizens of Fiji.

Registration of Spouse

It is one of the easiest ways for Indian nationals to get Fiji citizenship. If you are legally married to an official citizen of Fiji, you can apply for citizenship under this route. Note that spouses of Fiji citizens are exempt from getting a student permit, but they must obtain a work permit if they intend to work anywhere in the country.

By Naturalisation

If you are an adult and have lived lawfully in Fiji for a continuous period of 5 years before lodging the application are eligible for obtaining citizenship by naturalisation. It is one of the simplest and most straightforward paths to Fiji citizenship from India.

The eligibility criteria for obtaining Fiji citizenship vary depending on your chosen citizenship pathway. Below are some common requirements you must meet:

Age Requirements: You must be over 18 years of age unless you are applying for citizenship as a child of a Fijian citizen.

Residency Requirements: To be eligible for citizenship by naturalisation, you must have legally lived in Fiji for at least five years before lodging your citizenship application.

Similarly, if you are applying for Fiji citizenship by marriage or as a child of a Fijian citizen, you must have lived in Fiji for at least three out of five years.

To prove your residency, you must submit your residency permit and other proof of continuous residence in the country.

Supporting Evidence: Regardless of the citizenship route you choose, you must submit supporting evidence and proof as per the category you are applying for.

For instance, if you are applying as a child of a Fiji citizen, you must prove your relationship with your Fijian parent(s) through legal documents.

Similarly, if you are applying for citizenship through marriage, you are required to submit your marriage certificate and other necessary documents to prove your relationship with the Fijian citizen.

Clean Criminal Record: Every citizenship applicant should have a clean criminal record and show a good code of conduct. Anyone with an active court case against them may be denied the citizenship right.

Understanding of Fiji Culture and Way of Living: While it sounds less important, your familiarity with the Fijian culture and living standards plays an important role during your citizenship procedure.

Step 1: Understand the Eligibility Requirements

Applying for citizenship is a big decision that must be taken carefully. Before starting the process, it is important to choose the right citizenship path and ensure whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria.

So, before everything else, do your research and learn about the eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Apply for Citizenship Eligibility Search

It is one of the most critical steps in obtaining Fiji citizenship for Indian applicants. Before initiating your citizenship application, you need to apply for the Citizenship Eligibility Search.

This step is done to calculate your lawful duration of stay in the country before applying for citizenship.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Next, gather all the required documents as per your citizenship pathway. Make sure that all the documents are correct, complete, and attested. This includes your application form, identity proof, residence permit, employment history, etc.

In case your documents are in a language other than English, make sure to get them translated before proceeding.

Step 4: Visit Fiji Immigration Centre

Next, visit your nearest Fiji Immigration office with your documents, complete the application form, and submit it to the concerned authorities. Now, pay the required fees and follow the instructions.

Step 5: Wait for the Decision

After your application is submitted, you need to wait patiently for the decision. Once it is out, you will be notified via email of your given details.

Step 6: Apply for Fijian Passport

Once you get your citizenship certificate, the next step is to obtain a Fijian passport. The process of acquiring a passport is straightforward.

First, you need to book an appointment with your nearest immigration office and visit there on the scheduled date to submit your application. Click here to book an appointment for passport lodgement.

For Citizenship Eligibility Search

• Duly signed and filled eligibility search application form.

• Copy of your existing passport.

• Copy of your birth certificate.

• Copies of all earlier residence permits, visas, or exemption status.

• Copy of your marriage certificate.

For the Child of a Fiji Citizen

• 2 Recent passport-size photographs.

• Copy of birth certificate.

• Copy of child’s passport.

• Copies of parents’ birth certificates.

• Copy of parent’s citizenship certificate.

• Copies of parents’ passport and marriage certificate.

• Adoption documents (if the child is adopted)

For the Child of a Fiji Citizen (above 18 years)

• 2 Recent passport-size photographs.

• Copy of birth certificate.

• Copy of current passport.

• Copy of residence permit.

• Copies of parents’ birth certificates.

• Copy of parent’s citizenship certificate.

• Copies of parents’ passport and marriage certificate.

• Duly signed Oath of Allegiance Form

• Eligibility calculation letter.

Former Citizen of Fiji

• 2 Recent passport-size photographs.

• Copy of birth certificate.

• Copy of current and former Fijian passport.

• Copies of parents’ birth certificates.

• Copy of Fijian father’s citizenship certificate.

• Local police clearance certificate (if already residing in Fiji for a year.)

• Police report from the current country of citizenship.

• Deed poll (in case the name of the applicant is changed)

• Duly signed Oath of Allegiance Form

For Registration of Spouse and Naturalisation

• 2 Recent passport size photographs

• Copy of passport

• Copy of residence permits

• Copy of marriage certificate with a Fijian partner

• Copy of employment documents (optional)

• Complete and signed applicable citizenship application forms.

• Copy of birth certificate

No Hassle for Visa Renewal: The primary advantage of getting Fiji citizenship is that you don’t have to worry about renewing your visa every couple of years. The citizenship status allows you to live in the country without worrying about any immigration processes and penalties.

Dual Citizenship: Another major benefit of obtaining citizenship in Fiji is that you don’t need to renounce your existing citizenship. As per the Fiji Citizenship Act, you can have dual citizenship status. In simple words, you can be both an Indian and a Fijian citizen.

Access to Public Rights: Having a citizenship status means you get access to all the public rights, including the right to vote, employment benefits, social security benefits, healthcare benefits, and so on.

Visa-free Travel: A Fijian passport allows you to travel visa-free to 88 countries. This is another perk of getting citizenship in Fiji from India.

Source: Fiji Immigration Department

Fiji Citizenship Application Processing Time

• The actual Fiji citizenship application processing time can vary because each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Following are some other factors that are taken into account when determining the application processing time:

• The correctness and completeness of the application as well as supporting documents.

• Time required to perform eligibility search.

• Time is taken to gather information from third parties.

• Based on these circumstances, your citizenship application can take anywhere from a couple of months to up to a year.

As mentioned above, the application processing time for Fiji citizenship varies based on the selected citizenship path and the individual case.

Once your application is processed, the Fiji immigration authorities will notify you of your given contact details. For any query or doubt about your application status, you can contact the Fiji Immigration Department at the following address:

Email: fidcitizenship@gmail.com

Submitting Incomplete Documents: One of the most common reasons behind the rejection and delay of Fiji citizenship applications is submitting incomplete and incorrect documents. This is the reason why it is strongly advised to learn about the requirements in advance to avoid any unnecessary hurdles in the process.

Not Starting Early: The process of obtaining citizenship in any country is lengthy and time-consuming; Fiji is no exception. By starting your application late, you are only delaying your citizenship status. Hence, make sure to initiate your application as soon as you meet the required eligibility criteria.

Neglecting Immigration Policy Changes: The immigration policies of any country are subject to change based on factors like political scenarios, economic conditions, etc. By neglecting the sudden changes, you might end up causing unnecessary issues in your citizenship application. Hence, always stay updated regarding immigration laws and policies.

Maintain a Good Code of Conduct: your character and behaviour play an important deciding factor when it comes to obtaining citizenship. If you want to increase your chances, then maintain a good code of conduct.

Learn About Fijian Culture and Traditions: Being a citizen of Fiji is not only about obtaining a citizenship certificate. Instead, you must wholeheartedly accept the country and adapt to its culture and traditions. For this, participate in cultural events, socialise with local communities, learn about the history and culture of the country, and so on.

Over 300 Islands: Fiji is home to more than 300 stunning islands. In addition, there are around 500 small islets, offering a unique natural landscape to the country. Interestingly, these islands and islets are the result of volcanic activities that began approximately 150,000,000 years ago.

Large Indian Population: Fiji has a large population of Indians, mainly from the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. In fact, many popular faces in the country are Indians, such as Joy Ali and Hafiz Khan.

Former British Colony: Just like India, Fiji was also under the rule of the British government. The impact of British colonialism can be seen in the parliamentary and legal systems of the country.

Multiple Official Languages: Fiji is among a few countries that have multiple official languages. There are three official languages including Fijian, English, and Fijian Hindi.

Love for Rugby: Although Rugby was introduced in Fiji by the Britishers, it is the most loved sport in the country. In fact, there is a national Rugby team which is one of the most successful teams in the world. In 2016, the Fijian rugby team won gold at the Summer Olympics.

Dos:

• Greet the locals politely when entering their homes.

• Dress modestly, especially when visiting a religious site.

• When visiting a Fijian village, make sure to bring a gift.

• Learn the local language and common slang.

Don’ts:

• Avoid mocking local culture and traditions.

• Don’t try to touch the head of Fijians, as they consider it to be the most sacred part of the body.

• Don’t hurt religious sentiments.

• Don’t break the local rules and regulations.

• Don’t mess with the dress code.

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