By: Bernadette Carreon
Division of Immigration Chief Flavian Misech has resigned from his post but that is after he received a notice that he will be terminated effective July 7 for allegedly using his position “for private gain or profit.”
“You are also notified of your dismissal/termination for cause as of July 7, 2024 , due to the seriousness of the violation which brought upon your suspension,” according to Finance Minister Kaleb Udui’s letter dated June 26, 2024, obtained by Island Times.
The letter further stated that Misech has been suspended since June 15 because of alleged numerous violations of the Public Service System Rules that include, “ inexcusable neglect of duty, dishonesty, misuse of government property, using government position and official position for private gain and property.
The June 14 suspension letter cited that Misech reportedly instructed his staff to process provisional visas of five Chinese nationals who appeared to have already overstayed in the country.
The suspension letter signed by Director John Tarkong cited that Misech has approved the individuals’ visas and waived the overstaying fees of Chinese nationals who appeared to be employed by his wife under M/Y Hai Li Lang Hua.
Tarkong said such action is not in compliance with the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection Joint Procedure.
It added that in another incident, Misech instructed his staff to process two employment applications without proof of payment of overstay penalties.
The suspension also cited Misech using an official government car to run personal errands.
Prior to his termination, the Bureau suspended Misech twice: once from April 17 to 19 and once from June 15 to 29.
Misech refused to sign the termination letter. When asked why he resigned, he told Island Times, “to start with his own business.”
In the termination letter, Udui said Misech’s action has raised “serious implication of integrity and appearance of self-dealing within the Division of Immigration,” affecting the reputation of the Bureau of Custom and Border Protection and the Ministry.