Thirty-nine Become Samoan Citizens

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 28 April 2025 – Thirty-nine (39) new Samoan citizens were sworn in and received their Samoan passports last Thursday.

The new citizens are from India, the Philippines, Tonga, China and Europe and have qualified either through marriage or residency and have satisfied the legal requirements to become Samoan citizens.

It is the first swearing in ceremony since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the delay in processing of applicants has taken longer.

In welcoming and congratulating the new citizens, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said, “As citizens of our country, it reflects your commitments, loyalty and devotion to serve Samoa and her people.”

She told them that Samoan citizenship is dear to the Samoan people because it is their identity that comes with the freedom to live harmoniously and peacefully with families and friends.

“But it comes with the responsibility to care, love, law abiding, respect for others and to use God-given talents, wisdom and knowledge and to work together for the common good of Samoa. Today you have been entrusted with that responsibility as citizens of Samoa,” said Fiame.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa with the 39 new Samoan citizens and staff of the Immigration Office after the swearing-in ceremony.

The new Samoan citizenship holders include the following families and individuals:
·       Vijay Bansidnar Jashnani, Tanya Vijay Jashnani and Dhrus Vijay Jashnani
·       Bank Cao Ni, Chendi Ni and Yabrong Ni,
·       Fereidoun Yasdani and Yassamin Yasdani,
·       Shuping Chen and Yanming Chen
·       Francoise Jeanmaire Jenzen and Urs Weiner Jenzen
·       Amir Shahzad, Anam Zulfiqar Amir-Shahzad, Faryal Amir Shahzad, Muhammed Rayan Amir Shahzad and Anaya Amir Shahzad.
·       Albina Meredith,
·       Alfred John Cowley,
·       Anau Folola Tuvale,
·       Chunchao Xue,
·       Denis Charles Cusack,
·       Marieiosefo Munivai Mora-Isara,
·       Melody Aguilar Arevalo,
·       Mohammed Fakruzzaman Talukder,
·       Richard Gibson,
·       Sharon Michelle Winter,
·       Gavin Douglas Brightwell,
·       Jossie Aloaina,
·       Paul Graeme Johnson,
·       Peter James Reid,
·        Zepeng Wu,
·       Qiongxiu Zeng,
·       Raphel Semel and
·       Raymie Snow