An alarming trend has been highlighted by the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service (TSLS) in Fiji, with an average of 150 students being offloaded from aircraft each month due to their failure to obtain the necessary travel clearance while under scholarship obligations. TSLS CEO Hasmukh Lal pointed out that students are often aware of the requirement but choose to neglect it, attempting to “cheat the system.”

At a recent handover ceremony for Travel and Bond Clearance and Recoveries in Suva, Mr. Lal emphasized the explicit nature of scholarship terms, making it clear that students must secure a travel clearance for overseas travel during their scholarship period. He proposed that increased awareness and education surrounding travel requirements are necessary to prevent these incidents. “Formalities must be completed at least four or five days before travel,” advised Fiji Revenue and Customs Service CEO Udit Singh, highlighting how important it is for students to be better informed.

In response to the ongoing issues, TSLS has introduced a new Travel and Bond Clearance Portal. This platform enhances the application process by allowing students to receive approvals directly to their accounts, which can be easily accessed via mobile phones. Immigration and border control personnel will also have access to the portal, effectively eliminating the need for students to print and carry travel approval documents.

This situation raises critical questions about student compliance and the responsibility of educational institutions to ensure their students are aware of such vital requirements. The government is expected to take further action by implementing stricter measures for those who fail to adhere to scholarship conditions, such as potential penalties for non-compliance or engaging in travel without the proper clearance.

While these developments are concerning, they can also be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen the educational system and foster a collaborative approach among institutions and the TSLS. By improving awareness and streamlining processes, students may be better equipped to fulfill their educational commitments without facing travel-related obstacles. This could ultimately lead to more successful scholarship experiences and better outcomes for students.

In summary, while the offloading of students highlights critical gaps in awareness and adherence to scholarship requirements, forthcoming initiatives and the new Travel and Bond Clearance Portal could instigate positive changes, ensuring that students are better prepared for their educational and travel commitments.