Fiji plans to enhance its passport services for citizens living overseas by considering the printing of passports in diplomatic offices and the installation of mobile biometric machines. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka shared this initiative following a bilateral meeting with Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni.
During the meeting, Rabuka invited Sovaleni to establish a diplomatic office in Fiji and expressed support for Tonga’s chairmanship. He congratulated Sovaleni on his new role in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and both leaders addressed shared concerns regarding maritime boundaries, particularly around Minerva Reef.
At a recent gathering with the Fijian community in Tonga, attendees raised concerns regarding visa and passport issues. Rabuka assured the delegation from Tonga that these matters would be communicated, noting that airfares, which were mentioned by the diaspora, fall under Fiji Airways and are more of a commercial issue.
Additionally, Rabuka participated in the Forum Leaders Dialogue with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, emphasizing the need for transformative policies and local legislation that aligns with global objectives. He stressed the importance of addressing biodiversity, biosecurity, connectivity, and climate change issues.