Fiji Judge Refused Entry Into NZ

October 20, 2009 7:28 a.m. EST

Suva, Fiji (AHN) - A Fiji Family Court judge has reportedly been denied entry into New Zealand after seeking a medical visa to enable her 20-month-old daughter to undergo an urgent eye operation at the Auckland Starship Hospital.

Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the rejection of Justice Anjala Wati's visa application was due to the fact that she had taken up a position as a judge in the High Court of Fiji.

In a statement, Sayed-Khaiyum expressed concern and said arrangements had already been made with the Auckland Hospital to carry out the operation to prevent the permanent loss of eyesight in one eye.

"She (Wati) was advised in an undignified and disrespectful manner that her visa application was rejected because she had taken up a position as a judge on the High Court of Fiji.

"Such interference by a neighbouring State in the Fijian judiciary is unacceptable by world standard," Sayed-Khaiyum said.

The matter has been referred to the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

Efforts by AHN Media to obtain comments from the Prime Minister's office remained futile.

Sayed-Khaiyum added that although, "we do not accept travel bans placed upon anyone in the Cabinet, the public service of the RFMF, a distinction is always to be drawn between the executive and the judiciary and other independent institutions".

"Such a move which victimizes not only a respected judge, but also her child, is shameful and must be universally condemned," he added.

The Fiji Government has called on New Zealand to "cease this interference with our judiciary".

However late this Tuesday afternoon (local time), after AHN sought comments from the Fiji-based New Zealand High Commission, NZ deputy high commissioner Todd Cleaver confirmed to AHN that the application is still being assessed and the visa has not been denied.

On behalf of Cleaver, Cecilia Warren, the Second Secretary (Regional, Tuvalu) at the Commission told AHN in an email that there was no suggestion made at the time of enquiries that immediate travel was required to prevent loss of sight in one eye, "?. but if such information is available it should be provided to the New Zealand Immigration Office."

He added although New Zealand maintains travel restrictions against certain persons following the coup in December 2006, New Zealand has always consistently shown flexibility where humanitarian, medical or compassionate grounds have been substantiated.