The Fiji Government has tabled two bills that would sharply toughen penalties for travel document offences and strengthen immigration enforcement, including authorising the use of “reasonable force” in deportations. The Passports (Amendment) Bill 2026 and the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2026 were both introduced in Parliament last Friday as part of a package the Government says is aimed at modernising the travel document system and tightening border controls.
Under the Passports Amendment, penalties for serious travel document offences would rise dramatically. Offences such as the unauthorised alteration or misuse of passports and other acts that compromise the integrity of travel documents would attract maximum sanctions of up to $100,000 in fines, or up to 10 years’ imprisonment, or both. That marks a tenfold increase in some cases from existing maximum penalties of $10,000 and five years’ jail. The Bill’s explanatory note says current penalties are “quite low and do not serve as an adequate deterrent,” prompting the steep rises.
The amendment would also create a formal framework for refugee travel documents. People officially recognised as refugees in Fiji would be eligible for a refugee travel document issued by the permanent secretary, valid for up to five years. The Bill specifies there will be no application fee for refugee travel documents, removing a potential financial barrier for vulnerable people. At the same time, the legislation allows authorities to refuse a document on legal or security grounds, inserting safeguards into the new scheme.
The Immigration Amendment gives the permanent secretary power to issue written removal orders directing prohibited immigrants to leave Fiji and sets out enforcement mechanisms should individuals fail to comply. The Bill states that “an order … must be carried into effect… including removal of the person by use of reasonable force if necessary,” explicitly authorising the use of reasonable force during deportations. It also permits detention of persons subject to removal in places such as prison, police custody or other authorised facilities while transport arrangements are made.
Transport operators, including airlines and shipping companies, could be required to carry deportees under the proposed law, with penalties for refusal, and the legislation introduces a voluntary departure option allowing some people to leave Fiji without being formally removed if they comply within a set timeframe. Officials have framed the inclusion of “reasonable force” as a measure to ensure compliance where individuals resist lawful removal, while stating deportations must follow due process through written orders and clear procedural steps.
Taken together, the two Bills represent a significant tightening of Fiji’s travel document and immigration enforcement regimes. The Government presents the changes as part of efforts to reduce fraud and forgery, align with international standards and strengthen border security. With both Bills now before Parliament, they will proceed through the legislative process for further debate and potential amendment.