Ministry under staffing pressure

Fiji's Ministry of Immigration is grappling with significant staffing shortages and operational constraints, even after transitioning to a standalone entity. Permanent Secretary Aliki Salusalu informed the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence that the ministry still operates with the organizational structure of its former departmental status, having only added two senior positions: the Minister and the Permanent Secretary.

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This places heavy pressure on frontline officers.

The ministry is responsible for a wide range of critical services, including border security, visa processing, citizenship, and passport services. These functions cover major entry points like Nadi, Nausori, Lautoka, Labasa, Savusavu, and Levuka. Nadi International Airport alone processes nearly one million passengers annually, placing immense pressure on frontline immigration officers. Compounding these challenges, recruitment remains frozen due to civil service restrictions, and the ministry's request for more than 100 new positions in its budget bid was not approved for the next financial year.

In response to the staffing crisis, Border Security and Enforcement Manager Jesse stated that officers will be redeployed from Nadi, Lautoka, and Suva to support newly established offices in Rakiraki and Nakasi. While acknowledging the difficulty, he deemed the move necessary. The ministry is also upgrading its immigration systems, including Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems, to enhance traveler screening before flights. Visa, permit, and citizenship services are already online, with passport applications set to move online following system upgrades. New offices in Rakiraki and Nakasi are intended to improve accessibility and alleviate pressure on the Suva office.

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This would be difficult but necessary.

Committee members expressed concerns regarding public response delays and the enforcement of foreign worker compliance. Officials indicated that new legislation is under revision to impose stronger penalties on both non-compliant workers and their employers. Salusalu noted that while the ministry's standalone status has improved visibility and decision-making, the persistent gaps in staffing and resources continue to hinder effective service delivery.

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However, he said staffing and resource gaps continue to affect service delivery.