Sushila Chang
Photo: © Clarissa Lo
A former head of Fiji’s university who was banned from returning to the country by the previous Bainimarama government has had his ban lifted.
Shushila Chang, a former chancellor of the University of Fiji (UoF) in a bold move, had left during the Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020, violating the border restriction order at the time, to be with the her husband sick in Australia.
The Department of Immigration subsequently declared her a prohibited immigrant and UoF dismissed her for unauthorized departure.
She applied for a judicial review later that year, but was rejected by the High Court, which ruled that the government’s decision could not be challenged through judicial review, as Fiji’s immigration law it does not allow anyone to contest the decision of a minister in any court. .
However, Professor Chang said she received a letter by email from the coalition government’s Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduaudua on January 22 informing her that she can now return to Fiji .
“Professor Chang’s travel ban has been revoked following a thorough review of his case,” Tikoduadua confirmed to RNZ Pacific on Friday.
“This decision aligns with our commitment to justice, transparency and fairness.”
The Minister said that Professor Chang is a respected academic and former vice-chancellor of the UoF who can now return to Fiji.
“This step reflects our government’s dedication to reassessing past actions to ensure they align with our values and principles of natural justice,” he said.
“We recognize the importance of academic freedom and the contributions that individuals like Professor Chang can make to Fijian education and society.”
He said the Fijian government aims to foster an environment that encourages open dialogue and values the exchange of ideas, adding “the lifting of this ban demonstrates our commitment to these ideals”.
Pio Tikoduadua said the coalition government recognized the importance of academic freedom and the contributions of individuals like Professor Chang.
Photo: Facebook / Government of Fiji
Chang, who was in the United States when he received the news, is now looking forward to visiting Fiji and connecting with friends.
She said her partner and children, who were “very concerned and supportive”, were also “happy and relieved” that her travel ban had been lifted.
“[My husband] he had severe mobility problems in Fiji, such as losing his balance and headaches. Upon our return to Australia, the oncologist discovered that he was suffering from lung cancer that had spread to the brain.
“It’s fortunate that we came back right away and sought treatment. We’re grateful that he was able to receive treatment and is fine.”
The host returns
Professor Chang said that in addition to prioritizing her husband’s well-being to aid his recovery, she also met and consulted with universities such as the University of Bordeaux (France) and Coventry (UK), and offered training programs.
She confirmed that she has been appointed as an academic advisor to Pacific Polytech – a private provider of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Fiji.
She said it was “an exciting role as Pacific Polytech has a visionary mandate”.
“I was invited to present a public lecture by Pacific Polytech on a World Accredited National Inspection and Testing Laboratory in Fiji.
“The intention is to improve the safety, quality and sustainability of all Fiji products including water, food, land, air, furniture, cement, food, timber and others”.
