The Ministry of Immigration is upgrading its passport system to allow online applications and renewals for Fijians living overseas, with Cabinet also endorsing plans to outsource some passport services once the new system is established.

Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto says the initiatives are part of broader efforts to make immigration services more accessible, convenient and efficient, particularly for Fijians living abroad and those in remote maritime communities.

The Ministry is also expanding its decentralisation programme, with the newly opened Nakasi office recording 685 customers between September 30 and October 30, most of whom sought passport services.

Meanwhile, the Rakiraki office, which opened on October 23, served 69 customers during its first week of operation.

Plans are also underway to establish additional offices in Naboro and Labasa, while efforts continue to secure a suitable location in Sigatoka.

Outreach programmes are further extending services to communities closer to home. A recent outreach in Sigatoka, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, attracted 218 passport applicants in a single day.

The Ministry has also conducted outreach programmes in Nabosa and Rotuma, with upcoming visits planned for Taveuni and Kadavu.

For Fijians living overseas, recent outreach visits to Auckland and Christchurch assisted 423 people, with further visits scheduled for Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in November.

Naupoto says the expansion of services is aimed at reducing travel costs and difficulties for people who would otherwise need to travel long distances to access immigration services.

He adds that the decentralisation programme, overseas outreach services and other immigration services have generated more than $315,000 in revenue.

By: Litia Rabua