Immigration faces staffing and resource constraints

Fiji's Immigration Ministry continues to grapple with insufficient staffing and resources, hindering its ability to function effectively as a standalone entity. The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence highlighted these persistent constraints in a recent parliamentary review.

Committee Chair Lenora Qereqeretabua presented the findings, noting that the ministry largely operates with departmental-level staffing. A recruitment freeze has further strained frontline operations, impacting the ministry's capacity to manage its extensive responsibilities. These include protecting Fiji's borders, administering immigration laws, processing visas and permits, and handling passport and citizenship services.

The committee has recommended that the Immigration Ministry collaborate with the Ministry of Civil Service to reassess its staffing requirements. Securing adequate funding is also deemed essential for the ministry to operate effectively. The review, which covered reporting periods from 2019 to 2023, emphasized the need to strengthen institutional capacity to ensure robust border management and efficient service delivery. Parliament unanimously accepted the report's findings.

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Despite becoming a standalone ministry, immigration continues to operate largely with departmental level staffing and resources.