Fijian Passport Soon, Rida Thanks PM
Lebanese-born Rida Senibulu will soon realise his and his mother’s dream. The 17-year-old’s blue Fijian passport is on its way to Beirut.
Rida’s mother is Lebanese and father is a Fijian soldier who once served with UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon) in Southern Lebanon.
After years of trying to convince Fijian authorities that he is Fijian, Rida and mother, Samia Jradi, are relieved their perseverance has paid off.
Rida believes that it was through the prayers of his mother, the support of his Fijian family and friends that had finally gotten him an identity.
Now he can go to school, get a job and live like a normal resident of Beirut because he is a citizen of Fiji.
His citizenship certificate, it is understood, has been signed by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
In providing proper identification for her son who carries a Fijian name, her son would feel safe living with her in Lebanon and complete his education without fear to travel anywhere
Ms Jradi received confirmation from the Department of Immigration that Rida would soon receive his official passport with his citizenship certificate confirming his identity under the Fijian Government.
“I called them frequently, they continued to advise me and I thank them for answering my calls.I never lost hope, I kept praying for my son, I was getting worried, but God is wonderful, Rida and I are very happy,” Ms Jradi said.
She said there had been times she was beginning to worry, but the desire to get her son starting a proper life with a proper identity was all she could think of. Department of Immigration director Nemani Vuniwaqa could not be reached for comment on the matter. In an earlier article, Mr Vuniwaqa stated that the department did not have any issues with the application process.
Meanwhile, when Rida was asked if he would visit Fiji? He replied that he would first look into continuing his education to now support his mother and move on with his life.
He said he had not planned to visit Fiji at the moment but he acknowledged his Fijian family in Lebanon and Fiji for standing by him and PM Bainimarama for approving his citizenship.