Fiji expands immigration services to rural areas with new offices

The Fijian government is enhancing accessibility to essential services by expanding its Immigration department's reach beyond major urban centers. New offices are scheduled to open in Nakasi and Rakiraki next month, a move Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto stated is designed to bring services closer to residents in rural and outlying areas.

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The move is aimed at bringing essential services closer to people in rural and surrounding communities.

Currently, individuals in regions like Wainibuka and Ra must travel to Suva or Lautoka to access services such as passport and citizenship applications. The new Nakasi office has completed its fit-out and has been handed over to the Ministry, while the Rakiraki office is nearing completion. Both were initially slated for a July 31st opening, but unforeseen infrastructure, procurement, and operational challenges have pushed the target to September 2026.

Nakasi is expected to commence operations in early September, followed by Rakiraki in late September. Additionally, Immigration services are being extended to Rotuma, with officials slated to visit the island from August 24 to September 13 as part of a broader government outreach initiative. Minister Naupoto reiterated that this expansion aligns with the government's commitment to improving service delivery and reducing the burden of long-distance travel for those in rural and maritime communities.

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Initially, the plan was to have both offices operational by the 31st of this month. However, due to unforeseen circumstances relating to infrastructure, procurement and other operational requirements, the Ministry is now working towards having both offices operational by September 2026.

The Ministry currently operates Immigration offices in Suva, Nadi, and Lautoka. The planned expansion aims to streamline processes and provide more convenient access to immigration-related matters for a wider segment of the Fijian population.

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The expansion is part of the Government’s plan to make services more accessible and reduce the need for people in rural and maritime communities to travel long distances to access Immigration services.