Deputy Prime Minister, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo yesterday dismissed fears of Samoan citizenship being sold to foreign investors saying: “such hearsay (upu faalele) that citizenship will be sold are unfounded comments made to frighten (people).”
Fonotoe who is also the Minister for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L.), made the comments in parliament during the second reading of the Citizenship Bill 2014 yesterday.
“No country sells passport for free,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
“It is clear in legislation that selling passports is taboo."
“If you understand the process of the programme in the Bill (Citizenship Bill), there is nothing like that.”
At this point, some Members of Parliament were whispering forcing the Speaker of the House, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao to intervene to quieten everyone down.
Continuing with his speech, Fonotoe reminded the M.P.s “remember that we are also citizens of Samoa."
“There is no intention from government to cause damage but we only aim to boost the economy and create jobs for the betterment of the country.”
Speaking about the Bill, Fonotoe said: “Hearsay causes divisions within people. That is just hearsay, but it will not result in that.”
Fonotoe said: “The Citizenship Bill puts in place a programme for anyone who is willing to invest their money in the country.”
He explained there are three main, important concepts of the Bill.
“First main purpose is to attract foreign investors to generate investment,” he said.
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“Foreign investors bring money to generate investment in the country and setup developments that the government believes we need."
"Second one is job creation.
Not long ago we had a graduation and many graduates are seeking employment. One main aspect of the Bill is job creation for businesses, manufacturers and other developments.”
"The third important aspect of the bill is sustainable growth and development of our country,” said Fonotoe.
He stressed: “These are vital areas that the government is considering under the programme. Your Honourable Speaker there are many writings and frightened words made about the Bill but I want to assure you the country has nothing to worry about.”
Fonotoe pointed out, there are certain criteria that a foreign investor must fulfill.
He said an application needs to be investigated by a special committee and it is also passed on to government to see if all the requirements are met under the programme.
He insisted: “There is not one corner that the Select Committee has not explored. The Committee keeps in mind the integrity and the mainstay of the citizens of Samoa…which means when someone becomes a citizen they are also eligible to have a Samoan passport.”
The Select Committee was made up of heads of government ministries and agencies, said Fonotoe.
As the Minister of M.C.I.L. who created the bill, Fonotoe said there will be an external agency specializing in investigating the credibility of the investor.
“There will also be an institution framework for the programme,” he added.
According to Fonotoe, the applicant must provide an investment plan; worth of current business and its history; the investor’s police report; a medical report, audited financial statements and other documents.
He pointed out that there are many countries that have benefited from a similar programme.
“Countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji have a similar programme."
“It means they are also benefiting from it and the Select Committee believes that the government should have such programme.”
"Furthermore," he added, “many countries in the world have benefited from the programme and they don’t face problems probably just difficulties, because in anything, nothing is whole."
“But it has a huge advantage for the country.”
Fonotoe made it clear: “The bill was not an instant concept or something that was done without any knowledge."
“The Bill was drafted at least four times,” he recalled.
“The first time was consultation with the business sector where good thoughts were shared with varied ideas."
“The Committee again reviewed the Bill and made changes and members of the public were also consulted."
"Government shareholders and those affected in the bill were also consulted.”
Before Fonotoe could continue with his speech, the Speaker called for parliament to conclude until today.
Parliament continues today at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi building’s Conference Center at Sogi.
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