Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has disclosed that the Department of Immigration currently lacks the facilities to detain illegal immigrants and has no immediate plans to establish proper detention centers. During his address in Parliament, Rabuka, who also holds the position of Minister for Immigration, pointed out a troubling incident where an individual detained for immigration issues was placed in the same facility as convicted criminals.
Rabuka emphasized the importance of preventing immigrants from overstaying their visas, as the number of illegal immigrants in Fiji has alarmingly doubled to over 8,000 in just one year. This significant rise poses a challenge for the Department of Immigration, which is keen to address the issue.
The Prime Minister noted that the government is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Immigration Act to enhance the department’s independence and improve various processes like intelligence gathering, addressing emerging immigration pathways, and refining removal processes for non-compliant individuals. Moreover, the government is considering a form of amnesty to help reduce the number of illegal immigrants while allowing those who might qualify for legal residency to remain in Fiji. The proposal is currently under review by the Office of the Solicitor-General.
This initiative reflects a proactive approach towards managing immigration concerns while balancing the need for human rights considerations. The reforms could lead to a more structured system that not only addresses current illegal immigration challenges but also enhances Fiji’s immigration policies for future cases.
The potential amnesty could offer hope to many individuals who may be seeking a legitimate means to stay in Fiji, fostering a society that values both security and compassion.
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