Paramount Lau chief urges Australia to introduce visa-free travel for Fijians
Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara says when Fijians can travel to Australia just like an Australian travels to Fiji, "then vuvale (family) will mean the same thing" for both countries.
Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, a paramount traditional leader of the Lau islands in Fiji, has urged the Australian government to introduce visa-free travel for Fijians and immediate university tuition rates for Fijian students. While appreciating the recently announced Vuvale Union in Suva, Ratu Tevita believes a fairer system is needed for Fijians traveling to Australia.
He proposed allowing Fijians to receive visa stamps upon arrival, similar to the arrangements for Australians traveling to Fiji. Ratu Tevita, who recently visited Australia as part of Fiji's delegation to the Garma Festival, also welcomed the commitment to domestic fee arrangements for Fijian students, but questioned the timeline of 2029.
He emphasized that Fijian workers are already contributing to Australia's economy, sending home an estimated FJ$145.5 million in the year to June 2025. The Lau province is now forming an Economic Think Tank Group to seek foreign investment and improve the livelihoods of its people.
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