Immigration chief resigns after receiving dismissal notice

By Bernadette Carreon

Immigration director Flavian Misech has resigned, but not before receiving notice that he would be fired from his post on July 7 for allegedly using his position “for personal gain.”

According to the June 26, 2024 letter from Finance Minister Kaleb Udui obtained by The Island Times, it reads: “Due to the seriousness of your violations which have resulted in your suspension, you will also be dismissed/terminated from your position effective July 7, 2024.”

The letter also stated that Misage had been suspended since June 15 for alleged multiple violations of the public service system rules, including “inexcusable dereliction of duty, dishonesty, misuse of government property, and use of government position and public office for personal gain and property.”

The June 14 suspension letter states that Misage directed his staff to obtain temporary visas for five Chinese nationals who appeared to have overstayed in the country.

The suspension letter, signed by the ship’s captain, John Tarkong, noted that Misage had approved visas for the men and waived overstay fees for Chinese nationals who appear to have been employed by his wife under the ship’s company name, the Hai Li Lang Hua.

Tarcon said such action was inconsistent with joint Customs and Border Protection procedures.

In another incident, the report added, Misage directed his staff to process two employment applications without proof of payment of overstay fines.

The suspension decision also noted that Misech also used government vehicles for personal matters.

Before Misage was fired, the department suspended him twice: once from April 17 to 19 and again from June 15 to 29.

Misage refused to sign the termination letter. When asked why he resigned, he told The Island Times, “To start my own business.”

In the termination letter, Uduy said Misage’s actions “severely affected the integrity of the Immigration Division and demonstrated self-serving behavior” that affected the reputation of Customs and Border Protection and the department.

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