Fiji’s Minister for Immigration, Viliame Naupoto, is currently attending the Second Asia-Pacific Regional Review of the Implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) in Bangkok. This significant gathering unites representatives and key stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss vital migration issues.
Naupoto has been elected as the Chairperson for this three-day event, where he is also participating as a panellist in a High-Level Panel focused on Regular Pathways for Migration. His involvement highlights the critical need for safe and structured migration opportunities within the region. The meeting’s agenda emphasizes addressing migration challenges, sharing best practices, and tackling emerging issues to ensure that migration processes remain safe, orderly, and advantageous for everyone involved.
In his opening remarks, Naupoto pointed out the critical task of reviewing the implementation of the UN Global Compact on Migration in alignment with the 2030 Agenda, which will contribute to the International Migration Review Forum scheduled for 2026.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Naupoto engaged in a fruitful bilateral discussion with the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana. They exchanged views on shared priorities and Fiji’s ongoing collaboration with ESCAP to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He expressed gratitude for ESCAP’s support and looked into potential partnerships to strengthen Fiji’s migration management frameworks, particularly in light of rising regional migration driven by economic and labor mobility trends.
Additionally, Naupoto met with Ms. Catalina Devandas, the Representative of the Director General of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). They discussed ways to enhance collaboration between Fiji and IOM, acknowledging IOM’s significant expertise and its critical role in supporting Fiji with capacity-building initiatives related to border management, migration policy development, and diaspora engagement.
Naupoto is accompanied by key officials from Fiji’s immigration sector, including Acting Director of Immigration Taraivini Savou, Manager of Policy & Planning Rasieli Rabukawaqa, and Counsellor Solomone Momoivalu from the Fiji Embassy in Jakarta.
In summary, Minister Naupoto’s attendance at this regional meeting underscores Fiji’s commitment to proactive migration management and regional cooperation, paving the way for strengthened partnerships that can better respond to current migration trends and challenges. This collaborative approach is essential for ensuring the well-being of migrants and enhancing the resilience of communities impacted by migration.
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