Fijians equipped with biometric e-passports can now take advantage of Australia’s SmartGate system at all international airports, enhancing their travel experience significantly. Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto highlighted this development as a testament to Australia’s confidence in the security measures surrounding Fiji’s passports. He also noted that discussions are in progress with New Zealand to extend similar access for Fijian travelers.
With SmartGate technology, Fijian travelers will enjoy faster, contactless processing at major Australian international airports, thereby significantly reducing wait times. Naupoto emphasized that this achievement not only fortifies bilateral relations between Fiji and Australia but also showcases the effectiveness of Fiji’s border management and identity verification systems. Furthermore, efforts are underway to negotiate travel facilitation with other nations, aimed at making Fijian travel even more convenient and secure.
In addition to this positive development, the Immigration Department in Fiji is taking measures to address the current backlog of passport applications. Minister Naupoto confirmed that passport offices will extend their hours until 8 PM to facilitate better access. This initiative aligns with the arrival of 35,000 new passport books expected in the coming weeks, part of a larger order of 100,000 passports, which aims to overcome persistent shortages.
The Minister assured the public that the goal is to clear all pending applications by the end of next month. The department is also focused on improving processing times for both regular and urgent passport requests, with significant budget allocations of $5 million designated for purchasing more passport books. Additionally, Naupoto mentioned the department’s commitment to addressing visa and permit backlogs, with ongoing efforts to process outstanding applications rapidly.
Overall, these advancements indicate a positive trajectory for the Fijian government’s immigration services. As they work towards enhancing efficiency and responsiveness in passport and visa processing, there is hope that citizens will experience a significant improvement in their travel and immigration-related experiences.
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