A significant backlog in Fiji’s Immigration Department, which left more than 31,000 visa and permit applications delayed, has now been addressed. Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto announced that normal processing services are anticipated to resume next month after technical issues during a system integration caused the applications to be immobilized.
Over the past month, department staff worked diligently to process the backlog created in June, when approximately 31,144 permit applications were caught in the new system’s initial stages. As of Tuesday morning, 6,831 of the remaining applications requiring further processing were completed, with an expectation to finalize the remaining 3,012 applications by the end of the month.
This event underscores the challenges faced when implementing new systems but also highlights the commitment of the Immigration Department to rectify issues. Aside from improving permit processing, Minister Naupoto also mentioned receiving 1,000 new work permit applications, indicating a growing demand that the department is preparing to accommodate.
Moreover, this effort aligns with broader initiatives to enhance immigration services in Fiji, including plans to introduce an online application portal and streamline processing times for various types of applications. These developments should foster more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly immigration services, ultimately aiming to boost confidence among citizens and alleviate the waiting experience.
As a positive takeaway, the swift action to clear the backlog suggests the government recognizes the importance of timely immigration processing, which is crucial for personal travel and economic activities within the country. This commitment to improvement offers hope for citizens anticipating smoother operations in the immigration system in the near future.
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