Fiji updates immigration services and enforcement strategies

Fiji is addressing immigration service challenges through infrastructure expansion, passport restocking, and proposed enforcement reforms. The Ministry of Immigration has received an initial batch of 30,000 passport books from Germany, part of a 100,000-book order. These new 32-page passports feature electronic chips meeting International Civil Aviation Organisation standards. Processing for applications lodged between January and August 2025, which were previously on hold due to shortages, commenced on August 7.

To improve accessibility, Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto announced the opening of new offices in Nakasi and Rakiraki, expected in September. Additionally, officials are scheduled to extend services to Rotuma between late August and mid-September. These moves aim to reduce the need for rural and maritime communities to travel to Suva or Lautoka.

Separately, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence has recommended that Fiji shift its immigration enforcement from a complaint-driven model to a proactive, intelligence-led approach. Committee Chairperson Lenora Qereqeretabua highlighted the need for better technology and training to combat fraudulent documentation, permit breaches, and worker exploitation.