Fijians who submitted passport applications between January 6 and August 2 can now find relief, as the Immigration Department has started printing the overdue passports, with collections set to begin on Monday. Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto announced in a ministerial statement to Parliament that the printing process commenced last night, following the arrival of 30,000 new passport books.
As of this morning, around 400 passports had already been printed. The department is working overtime this weekend to expedite the printing process, expecting to have approximately 3,000 applications processed and ready for collection by Monday. Collection hours are scheduled from 9 am to 7 pm, and a structured collection schedule has been established based on the date of application lodgment to manage the influx of applicants and prevent congestion.
Similarly, Naupoto mentioned that the Suva Immigration Office will extend its operating hours to 8 pm starting Monday for those wishing to submit new applications or renewals. This change aims to provide additional convenience for individuals who cannot schedule appointments during regular office hours.
Looking ahead, the Minister stated that an additional 70,000 passport books will arrive in Fiji over the next few months as part of their ongoing efforts to address the backlog. Notably, the Immigration Department is placing its first order of 100,000 passports to accommodate the increasing demand. These new passports will feature modern chips that comply with the latest International Civil Aviation Organization standards, enhancing security for travelers.
In light of recent challenges faced by the Fiji Immigration Department, these proactive measures signal a positive direction towards improving passport services and addressing the needs of citizens. As the new shipping arrives and processing efficiencies improve, Fijians can look forward to a better and more streamlined passport application experience.
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