Trouble for Fijians coming to NZ

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Fiji nationals trying to come to New Zealand might find it difficult to get visas because of continuing action against diplomatic staff in Suva, Prime Minister John Key has warned.

Last night the acting New Zealand High Commissioner Todd Cleaver arrived home from Fiji after being expelled by the military leader.

He is the third New Zealand diplomat expelled in two and a half years.

Mr Key said the high commission in Suva issues 20,000 visas a year to visitors to New Zealand.

"If our staffing numbers are become so depleted it is inevitably going to have a quite a dramatic impact on the people of Fiji to come to New Zealand," Mr Key said.

"I cannot see how that is in Fiji's interests or quite frankly in Frank Bainimarama's interests."

Mr Cleaver is due to meet with Foreign Minister Murray McCully later today and hold a press conference in Auckland on his expulsion.

As he arrived last night with his young family Mr Cleaver made no comment.

- © Fairfax NZ News