Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has addressed the issue of illegal immigration in Fiji, acknowledging the lack of facilities within the Department of Immigration for detaining unlawful migrants. During a parliamentary session, Rabuka, who also serves as the Minister for Immigration, revealed that recent incidents have seen individuals non-compliant with immigration laws being kept alongside convicted criminals.
Highlighting the urgent need for reform, Rabuka pointed out that the number of illegal immigrants has surged, from 4,700 to over 8,000 in just one year. This significant increase poses serious concerns for the Department of Immigration, which is currently reviewing the Immigration Act to bolster the agency’s independence and improve various processes, including intelligence gathering and removal procedures.
In a bid to address the growing issue, the government is exploring the feasibility of an amnesty program aimed at allowing qualified individuals to regularize their status in the country. This initiative, currently being vetted by the Office of the Solicitor-General, is expected to help alleviate the pressure of the increasing illegal immigrant population.
This situation presents a critical moment for Fiji as it seeks to navigate the complexities of immigration management. By taking proactive steps and considering reformative measures, there is hope for a more structured and humane approach to handling immigration challenges.
In summary, Prime Minister Rabuka’s statement highlights the urgent need for immigration reform in Fiji as the country grapples with a rising number of illegal immigrants. Plans for legislative changes and the consideration of an amnesty program represent a positive direction towards addressing this pressing issue.
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