News

New passport applications will be thoroughly scrutinized

February 6, 2019 12:01 pm

The Fiji Immigration Department will continue to accept new passport applications; however, it will be scrutinized on a case by case basis.

This is due to passport numbers depleting as the Department is in the transition process to e-Passport.

Director Immigration, Nemani Vuniwaqa says they have restricted the issuance of new passports as of yesterday.

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“Priority will be given to those that will be requiring emergency or medical evacuation and secondly for those that really need to travel. We request that you come with a written justification – which will all go through the Director’s office.”

Passports that are nearing expiry or have expired and are still in good condition with visa pages available will be extended for another ten-year term.

Vuniwaqa says the fee to extend the passport’s validity will be fifty-five dollars and it will be processed on the same day.

The director says this temporary drawback will be ease immediately upon the delivery of new ePassports in the next four to six months.

“The transitioning to ePassports will strengthen the current book that we have. It will strengthen our borders and will also decrease the passenger processing at the borders. With the technology that will come with it will mean that it will be faster processing for travelers carrying ePassports.”

The Director says transitioning to ePassport is being done in accordance with the Department’s National Development Plan.