New e-passport system causing delays

Fiji's transition to an upgraded e-passport system is causing significant delays for applicants, with some being told to wait two to four months for new or renewed passports. Opposition MP Taito Rokomatu highlighted the public's frustration with long waiting periods. Permanent Secretary for Immigration Aliki Salusalu explained that the current system, while being upgraded from its 2019 implementation, still involves manual stages. This manual process hinders efficient document submission and processing, contributing to the delays. Salusalu acknowledged these issues, stating the upgrade aims to eventually allow home applications and improve overall efficiency. To alleviate congestion at existing offices, the Ministry of Immigration plans to open new enrollment centers in Rakiraki and Nakasi. However, all passport printing will remain centralized to ensure security and document integrity. These measures were discussed during the Ministry's appearance before the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence.

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And this new passport upgrade will help our citizens or our customers who wish to apply for a passport from the comfort of their own home, because when they try to apply, because it’s still manual, it causes a lot of delay in the submission of the documents that are required on those documents.