The Government has set aside $14.8 million for the Ministry of Immigration to upgrade border operations, improve passport services and expand access to immigration services across the country.

Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto says the investment will support the modernisation of Fiji’s immigration system while strengthening national security as visitor numbers continue to rise.

A key priority is preventing another passport shortage, with $5 million allocated for the purchase of 100,000 blank passport books. The online passport application system will also be upgraded to make applications faster and more accessible.

New regional immigration offices are planned for Nakasi and Rakiraki, allowing people outside major centres to access services more easily.

The Government will also introduce the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record system, enabling immigration authorities to assess passenger information before travellers arrive.

The system will work alongside a new Border Management System being developed with Australian assistance. The two systems are expected to speed up clearance for low-risk travellers while allowing authorities to focus more closely on passengers considered higher risk.

The upgrades come as international visitor arrivals are forecast to pass one million this year, marking a first for the country.

Naupoto says stronger border controls are increasingly important amid global instability, transnational organised crime and growing labour mobility.

A further $225,000 has been allocated to strengthen Fiji’s efforts to combat human trafficking. The funding will support specialised training for officers, better procedures for identifying victims and increased cooperation with regional and international partners.