The Immigration Department is currently on a mission to locate 20 undocumented immigrants who are avoiding deportation. During a recent parliamentary session, Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto revealed that the Government has allocated $100,000 for the purpose of detaining, deporting, and preventing re-entry of illegal immigrants throughout the 2024-2025 financial year. This budget reflects a significant increase from previous years, which only allocated $20,000.
Minister Naupoto noted that of the $100,000 budget, $48,000 remains available, signaling the rapid expenditure on deportations. Earlier this week, two deportations were executed, with costs covered variably by the destination country or the Fijian state. The minister emphasized the need for timely visa extensions, reiterating that failing to do so will result in individuals becoming illegal immigrants.
This initiative to enhance immigration oversight comes amidst a backdrop of increasing concerns about illegal immigration trends in Fiji, a situation previously highlighted by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Recent reports indicate that the number of illegal immigrants in the country has surged from approximately 4,700 to over 8,000 within just a year. This increase has prompted discussions around the adequacy of existing facilities for detaining undocumented individuals and the possibility of reforms to the immigration system.
In an effort to manage this situation more effectively, the government is also exploring the reintroduction of improved border security measures such as the Advance Passenger Information system. These measures, alongside potential legislative reforms, reflect a commitment to enhance the immigration framework in Fiji while considering humanitarian aspects and the need for national security.
Overall, these proactive measures can lead to better management of immigration issues and foster a more structured approach that can positively impact both residents and migrants, ensuring a balanced perspective that respects both security needs and individual rights.
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