Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete.

Parliament has unanimously passed amendments to the Public Health Act to charge quarantine fees to foreigners entering Fiji under COVID-19 protocols.

The amendment will allow the Health Ministry to make regulations on fees and charges for tourists who require quarantine and medical services.

Visitors will be required to pay for costs incurred by the military for security during quarantine, the Navy for sailing out to meet visitors on yachts, accommodation and medical costs during quarantine.

Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete says the funds will also allow authorities to strengthen COVID-19 containment framework.

“We’re being able to bill those that come to Fiji for the measures around quarantining them. It also makes sure that we set the safeguards and processes in place to keep our country COVID-19 contained.

Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the government has already spent millions of dollars on accommodation and meals alone.