Fiji Announces Bold Border Shake-Up to Tackle Trafficking

The government has intensified its efforts to combat human trafficking and people smuggling with a series of decisive measures aimed at bolstering border security and enhancing law enforcement capabilities. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that the cabinet has approved two pivotal initiatives: a $500,000 allocation dedicated to strengthening responses to trafficking in persons and the implementation of Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems designed to modernize and secure the nation’s borders.

Since taking office, combating human trafficking has been positioned as a top priority for Rabuka and his administration. The government has already initiated several key measures, including enhanced victim identification processes, establishing a centralized case management system, and updating the National Action Plan on Anti-Trafficking to support comprehensive government efforts.

Rabuka highlighted that an inter-ministerial taskforce, led by the Office of the Prime Minister and composed of representatives from the Ministries of Justice, Policing, Immigration, and Finance, is actively providing strategic direction and oversight in these initiatives. Among the reforms already enacted are updates to the Immigration Act 2003 and the repeal of outdated laws, which create a unified and secure border and streamline the prosecution of trafficking-related offenses.

Moreover, Rabuka noted that joint investigations involving Immigration, Customs, and Police into trafficking cases are nearing completion, underscoring the collaborative approach being taken to tackle these issues. The Prime Minister emphasized that improving prosecution and conviction rates is a critical focus area, reinforcing the government’s firm zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking.

Overall, these measures reflect a comprehensive effort to address human trafficking and enhance public safety, demonstrating the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and enhancing the integrity of national borders.