The production of passports in Fiji has been temporarily halted due to a malfunction in the Immigration Department’s printing machine. Prime Minister and Minister for Immigration, Sitiveni Rabuka, confirmed that ongoing technical difficulties have disrupted the printing process, affecting all passport applications, including emergency requests.
“We are currently dealing with a breakdown in the passport printing machine,” Mr. Rabuka stated. He acknowledged that a glitch has led to a significant backlog, preventing numerous emergency applications and other passport issuances from being processed.
This recent halt comes on the heels of a similar announcement made in August, where the Immigration Department initially alerted the public about ongoing technical issues with their printing systems. At that time, then-permanent secretary for Immigration Mason Smith expressed understanding of the inconvenience caused and assured the public that updates would be shared once services resumed.
As a result, many citizens and residents are left waiting for new or renewed passports. The government is urging individuals to be patient as they work to resolve these issues, although the Immigration Department has not provided a specific timeline for when passport printing will resume.
While the situation is undoubtedly challenging for those in need of passports, it is also an opportunity for the Immigration Department to realize the need for upgrades and improvements to their equipment. In the long run, this could lead to more efficient service and better handling of applications in the future.
Summary: Fiji’s passport printing has been suspended due to a breakdown in the Immigration Department’s machine, affecting all applications. While the disruption is inconvenient, it highlights the need for technological upgrades within the department. The government is committed to addressing the issue and will provide updates once services are restored.
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