The Ministry of Immigration in Fiji has ordered 100,000 new passports, which are expected to be delivered in two shipments, slated for May and June. Minister Viliame Naupoto acknowledged that the order should have been placed much earlier than January, but expressed optimism that the additional supply would alleviate the current shortages.
Frustrations among Fijians have reached a boiling point due to ongoing delays in passport issuance, stemming from stock shortages and heightened demand. The department has imposed restrictions on passport applications, only permitting urgent travel requests such as medical emergencies, job opportunities, and educational purposes since February 25. This restriction has left many citizens scrambling as they face fully booked appointment slots on the online portal, which are unavailable for new bookings indefinitely.
Numerous citizens have shared their dissatisfaction with the Immigration Department’s services. One mother has been left in a bind as her passport is still being processed despite having already collected her children’s passports, causing her to delay important travel plans. Another individual expressed frustration when he learned that his wife’s passport, which was promised within 15 working days, would now only be available between July and August.
Amidst these challenges, there have been instances where some individuals successfully navigated the cumbersome process. One woman managed to secure her family’s passports ahead of an impending move to Melbourne, raising concerns about inconsistencies — those who applied much earlier still awaited their documents.
Concerns have also arisen regarding the overall efficiency of the Immigration Department. A local immigration lawyer pointed out the internal issues that cause delays and stressed the need for better planning and communication to prevent future inconveniences. Such logistical challenges underscore the importance of having effective immigration processes in place, especially given the increasing demand for passports.
The recent order for new passports is a silver lining for many awaiting their travel documents, and it reflects a commitment from the government to address the issues plaguing the immigration system. While there are obstacles ahead, there is hope that these developments will lead to improved service delivery for all Fijians in the near future.
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