Nemani Vuniwaqa

The Fiji Immigration Department has limited passport stock available and as a result it has restricted the issuance effective from today.

However, the Department has assured those intending to travel will not be affected as they have put in place control measures.

FBC News understands the Department is in the transition process to e-Passport and is in ongoing discussions with suppliers in Europe – where the passport numbers are depleting.

Director, Nemani Vuniwaqa says passports that are nearing expiry or have expired will be extended for another ten-year term from today.

“If we see that the condition of the passport is still good, still readable, we have visa pages still available, still vacant, we advise that these individuals or these applicants to go through the endorsement of the same passport for another ten years.”

Vuniwaqa says the fee to extend the passport’s validity for another ten years is fifty-five dollars and it will be done on the same day.

He adds the Department will continue to accept passport applications, however, it will be scrutinized on a case by case basis.