Immigration Reforms to Modernise Border Security and Travel Documents in Fiji

Fiji is set to modernize its immigration, travel document, and citizenship systems with three new amendment bills tabled in Parliament, according to Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto.

Naupoto stated that the reforms are designed to bolster border security, streamline administrative procedures, and ensure Fiji's laws meet current international standards. The proposed legislation includes amendments to the Immigration Act 2003, the Passports Act 2002, and the Citizenship of Fiji Act 2009.

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the reforms are aimed at strengthening border security, improving administrative processes and aligning Fiji’s laws with current international standards.

The Immigration Amendment Bill introduces advanced border security measures, such as using passenger information and name records for pre-arrival screening. It also establishes a clearer administrative structure, separating policy responsibilities from operational powers. The Passports Amendment Bill will be renamed the Travel Documents Act, broadening its scope to include all official travel documents like passports, temporary travel certificates, and refugee travel documents. This bill also introduces stricter penalties for offenses such as forgery and false statements, while maintaining a 10-year validity for adult travel documents and five years for minors. Temporary travel certificates will be available for citizens stranded abroad.

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fiji must modernise its immigration framework to keep pace with global changes in border management and technology.

Amendments to the Citizenship of Fiji Act will more closely link citizenship applications to lawful residence through a new permanent residence permit framework, creating a more consistent immigration status pathway. Opposition MP Premila Kumar supported the modernization efforts, emphasizing the need for Fiji to keep pace with global changes in border management and technology. However, she also raised concerns about privacy, data protection, and safeguards for personal information collection and sharing.

In response, Minister Naupoto assured that the bills incorporate confidentiality obligations and data-sharing controls. He added that these reforms not only reflect current immigration operations but also establish a framework for future growth and digital upgrades within Fiji's immigration system.

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the bills include confidentiality obligations and data-sharing controls, while also preparing Fiji’s immigration system for future digital upgrades.