Bringing services directly to rural areas puts an equal footing with Fijians in major towns and urban areas.

While opening the Seaqaqa Legal Aid Office, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says at the office, Fijians are able to obtain documents free of charge.

“You can obtain advice free of charge, to assist with witnessing documents, such as birth certificates, academic transcripts and so on, dealing with landlord and tenant related issues, drafting wills and helping with probate matters.”

Bainimarama says if a family earns less than $15,000 a year, they can also obtain free legal representation in Family and Criminal matters, and even in some civil matters.

He says the new Legal Aid Office, they will have a lawyer available two to three days of the week who will provide free legal services and will also have a full-time Client Information Officer and

Registry Officer to provide first-line legal assistance.