 CITIZENSHIP |
Fiji does not recognize dual citizenship. A person
may acquire citizenship of Fiji by birth, naturalization
or registration. One of the main provision under
the citizenship laws is the equal opportunities
and privileges given to foreigners who are married
to either male or female Fiji citizens in acquiring
citizenship of Fiji. Applications for visa can be
lodged at any Immigration office.
| IMMIGRATION
|
Most countries do not require pre-entry visa to
Fiji. Application for visa can be lodged at any
missions overseas or directly with the department.
Visitors are normally given 4 months stay initially
on arrival which can be further extended by two
months provided they arrive with passports valid
not less than six months and properly validated
for other countries where necessary, return or onwards
tickets and sufficient funds for their stay in the
country.
| RELIGION |
A multi-cultured nation, Fiji is represented
by all major religion of the world. This is quickly
obvious to the visitor who will see Christian
churches, Mosque, Sikh and Hindu temples in towns
and throughout the countryside. More than half
of Fiji's population are Christians ( 52.9% ),
Hindus ( 38.1% ), Muslim ( 7.8% ), Sikh ( 0.7%
), Others (0.5%).
|
| RACE RELATIONS |
Race relations in Fiji are generally harmonious.
The compact provision in the Constitution requires
that full account is to be taken of the interests
of all communities. It is unlawful to discriminate
on the grounds of colour, race or ethnic origins
and it is an offence to incite racial disharmony.
| LANGUAGE |
English is the lingua franca, but Fijian and Hindi
are also taught in schools as part of the school
curriculum. Indigenous Fijians have their own dialects
and you can tell where one comes from, from their
dialect. Indians too have their own, generally speak
a distinctive Fiji-Hindi dialect. This is not the
same as the one spoken in India.
| CURRENCY
/ BANKING |
The Fijian Dollar is the basic unit of currency.
Major Credit cards are welcome by most hotels, restaurants,
shops, rental car agencies, tours, cruises and travel
agents. Fiji is well represented by banking groups.
These include the Australia and New Zealand Bank,
Bank of Baroda, Habib Bank, National Bank, Colonial
Bank, and Westpac Banking Corporation. Normal banking
hours is from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday
and to 4:00 p.m. on Friday. |
