Fiji’s Minister for Immigration, Viliame Naupoto, has announced that the issuance of new passports will be temporarily suspended for the month of June. This decision comes as the Ministry seeks to manage an increasing demand for passports and to avoid potential delays in the processing of applications. Minister Naupoto emphasized that issuing too many passports at once could create a backlog, particularly as many passports have the risk of expiring simultaneously.
During this period, emergency passports will continue to be processed within 24 hours to address urgent travel needs. Fijians can also utilize certificates of identity for travel while they await their passport renewals. Naupoto reassured the public that the passport processing system is expected to normalize by May, coinciding with the arrival of a shipment of 100,000 new blank passports ordered earlier in the year.
The minister highlighted that the Immigration Department has been facing challenges due to a shortage of passport stocks, stating that past delays in ordering had exacerbated the current situation. He expressed gratitude to the governments of New Zealand and Australia for their cooperation in allowing Fijian citizens to travel using certificates of identity.
This latest measure aims to streamline operations within the Immigration Department and enhance service delivery amid growing frustrations from citizens regarding delays in passport applications. The issuance of new passports is viewed as a vital step in improving the immigration process and meeting the travel needs of Fijians effectively.
In summary, the announcement of the temporary suspension of passport bookings for June signals the government’s proactive approach to managing demand and ensuring a smoother experience for applicants in the long run. With the arrival of new passport stocks on the horizon, there is hope that the ongoing challenges will soon be addressed.
Leave a comment