The recent claim by Laisenia Qarase that the Government of Fiji has introduced dual citizenship is false and misleading.

Those were the words of Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama. In a statement from the PM's office Bainimarama said the Government was empowered under the Immigration Act and relevant regulations to create separate categories of residency using different criteria.

Governments initiative to introduce permanent residency for former Fiji Citizens, their spouses and immediate descendants, in addition to affording permanent residency to other categories of persons, namely long term investors is a very positive and constructive move for Fiji.

Meanwhile the Prime Minister said his government recognizes there is a shortage of skilled and qualified personnel in a number of sectors and professions.

The Prime Minister noted that many countries in the world including Australia, New Zealand and Singapore which all have strong economies have categories of permanent residency. He said it appears that Qarase was again driven by his own political interests.