Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has strong-armed the government over what he calls a persistent passport crisis, saying delays in issuing passports are harming ordinary people and blaming payment bottlenecks with a foreign printer for the backlog. In a statement yesterday, Chaudhry argued that the government’s explanations for late passport delivery are not acceptable and that the real cause lies in “payment delays to the foreign agency contracted to produce Fiji passports.” He warned that the backlogs are causing undue stress, cancelled travel plans, and financial losses for many Fijians, and accused the Immigration Department of hiding behind excuses like “machines are down” as the backlog grows and fees rise.
Chaudhry pressed for accountability, naming Finance Minister Prof Biman Prasad to be held to account for delayed payments and urging Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto to take decisive action to stabilise the department’s operations. He noted that the arrival of 30,000 passport books is only a partial fix and that the long-standing backlog should never have reached crisis levels. The Labour leader argued that Fijians deserve efficient government services rather than empty promises and soaring fees amid chronic mismanagement.
Behind the partisan debate, government and immigration officials have been taking steps to address the need for more travel documents. The ministry has ordered a large stock of passports, with 100,000 new books expected to arrive in two shipments in May and June. This move comes as the department has imposed restrictions on passport applications since late February, limiting processing to urgent travel needs such as medical emergencies, job opportunities, and education, with online appointment slots quickly filling up.
Citizens’ experiences have varied. Some families report delays despite others securing passports ahead of planned moves, highlighting inconsistencies in processing times. Still, officials say the new stock and ongoing reforms are designed to normalize service levels as demand continues to rise.
To bolster the push for faster processing, the government is pursuing modernization across the system. A new integrated system, MIDAS, is being trialed at border checkpoints to streamline communications between immigration platforms, an approach seen as crucial to reducing bottlenecks. There is also a push to upgrade to ICAO ePassport standards, with 30,000 upgraded booklets already in place and a plan to bring in 35,000 more in October, followed by further batches. The ministry has emphasized securing timely procurement and stock monitoring to prevent future disruptions.
In parallel, the department has announced measures to speed processing. Routine applications are targeted to shorten from 15 to 10 working days, while urgent requests aim for 2 working days. The government has allocated funds for the purchase of additional blank passport books, and extended office hours—up to 8 PM in some offices—to help clear backlogs as new stock arrives. Officials also highlighted progress in clearing permit applications, signaling a broader effort to modernize immigration processing.
Context and outlook
– The passport backlog has become a focal point in Fiji’s immigration reform, with the government betting on a mix of new stock, system upgrades, and extended hours to restore smoother service.
– Measures reflect a broader modernization drive, including upgrades to passport standards and the potential for a unified, integrated processing system stacked with better procurement controls.
– While delays have caused public frustration, the announced steps suggest a multi-pronged approach to stabilize the system and reduce wait times over the coming months.
Summary
The passport situation in Fiji remains challenging for many citizens, but the government and immigration authorities are pursuing a coordinated response: large new stock orders (100,000 passports), modernization efforts (MIDAS and ICAO ePassport upgrades), extended office hours, and streamlined processing targets. If these measures are implemented effectively, Fijians could see a gradual return to more reliable and timely passport services.
Additional commentary
– The situation underscores the importance of reliable procurement and payment processes in government operations, especially when critical services like travel documents are at stake.
– A successful rollout of MIDAS and ePassport upgrades could position Fiji as a more technologically integrated entry point for travelers, potentially easing processing times and improving security.
Summary note
If the measures translate into quicker turnarounds and fewer backlogs, the public should see tangible improvements in passport delivery times in the months ahead, restoring confidence in Fiji’s immigration services.
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