Riya Mala 
[File Photo]
The Immigration Ministry will include in this year’s budget proposal, a bid for an Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems because they are essential tools for operations.
Minister Viliame Naupoto says the system will enable authorities to receive passenger details in advance, facilitating a swift screening process to identify individuals requiring attention while allowing others to pass smoothly through borders.
He adds that the system was in place in 2005 but has since been dismantled, necessitating its reintroduction.
“One of the tools for that is the API PNR, mentioned by the Deputy Prime Minister the other day, where you receive information about passengers coming in advance. There’s a process you go through, allowing you to quickly screen out those who require attention and let those who are clear flow through our borders.”
Naupoto further explained that the cost of removing illegal immigrants is typically borne by the individuals, their home countries, or employers.
When this is not feasible, the state intervenes; $100,000 was allocated for deportation in the 2024-2025 financial year.
He also adds that despite a data cleanup, the current system still encounters issues in detecting certain data.
He states that of the $100,000 allocated, $48,000 remains, and this has been largely depleted, with 20 prohibited immigrants currently being tracked, a situation likely to exhaust the remaining funds
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