Grace Road is headquarter in Navua. Photo: Islands Business
Fiji's Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua has ordered an inquiry into the "possible unauthorised issuance of passports" by immigration staff and "offered to step aside temporarily from role".
In a statement on Thursday night, Tikoduadua said the passports in question were issued to the children of the South Korean Christian doomsday cult, Grace Road Church, which is associated with human rights allegations.
This week, The Fiji Times reported that a Grace Road employee claimed she and others were physically abused and she was kept from seeing her children.
State broadcaster FBC reported that Grace Road has refuted the claims.
The group said in a statement on Thursday that it was a family dispute within the Grace Road community, which was exploited by the media.
Grace Road said it had stayed out of the issue, allowing the family to address their differences privately, but was disappointed when the media chose to sensationalise the matter and place undue focus on the Grace Road Church.
Pio Tikoduadua Photo: Facebook / Fiji Government
Tikoduadua said the passports were issued without his knowledge or the knowledge of his permanent secretary and senior management of the immigration department.
"If confirmed, this constitutes a significant breach of out protocols and raises serious concerns about the internal oversight mechanisms within the [immigration] department," he said.
"I have directed an immediate and thorough investigation to determine how the lapse occurred and to hold accountable those responsible," he said.
The minister said stepping down is necessary to ensure the inquiry is conducted impartially and without any perception of undue influence from his office.
He has also informed Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of his decision.
Tikoduadua assured that he will fully cooperate with the investigation and work towards restoring trust.
Meanwhile, opposition MP Jone Usamate has called for a "full-scale investigation into the allegations of human rights abuse".
Fiji Police has told local media that an investigation is already underway.