Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has addressed concerns regarding the management of illegal immigration in Fiji, stating that the Department of Immigration currently lacks facilities for detaining illegal immigrants and has no immediate plans to establish proper detention centers. During a recent parliamentary session, Rabuka, who also oversees the Immigration portfolio, highlighted a troubling incident where an individual detained for immigration violations was kept alongside convicted criminals.
Rabuka acknowledged that the issue of illegal immigration is serious, with numbers reportedly rising from 4,700 to over 8,000 within a year. He emphasized that the best approach to dealing with illegal immigrants is through preventive measures, aiming to reduce the likelihood of individuals overstaying their visas.
The Prime Minister discussed ongoing efforts for legislative reform. The Department of Immigration is conducting a thorough review of the Immigration Act to enhance its effectiveness and address key issues, including intelligence gathering and the development of emerging immigration pathways, penalties for violations, and processes for removal.
Additionally, Rabuka mentioned that the government is considering a form of amnesty aimed at helping those who may qualify to stay in Fiji, which is currently under review by the Office of the Solicitor-General.
Overall, while the situation poses challenges, Rabuka’s administration appears committed to reforming immigration policies and seeking solutions that balance the need for security with compassion for those individuals who may have legitimate ties to the country. This proactive approach could pave the way for more structured and humane immigration management in the future.
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