THE Ministry of Immigration will operate with $3million less in the new financial year, but Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto said the reduced allocation was anticipated.
He said it would not slow the ministry’s ongoing modernisation program or affect frontline services.”
“We have a reduction of $3million, but that was expected compared to this year’s budget, because most of the work in the modernisation process that we’re going through was done in this budget year, and the money that we’re getting now is just to continue and go into the implementation of the very big projects that we are undertaking,” he said.
Despite the reduction, Mr Naupoto said the ministry remained adequately funded to maintain its operations and continue implementing major projects.
“I am happy with the reduction,” he said.
“The basics, the services that we are providing is covered for.”
Mr Naupoto also backed the Coalition Government’s overall budget, describing it as an appropriate response to current global economic pressures.
“I agree with the theme of the budget, it’s a responsible budget, given what we’re facing right now, as a consequence of what is happening 14,000km away,” he said.
“The budget ensures that we remain, I use the word vibrant in a sense, as we look at our economy, to push on what is happening, and then looking forward to rebuilding very quickly when things improve.
“I think it is a very well thought out budget in that regard.”
He said the funding provided would enable the ministry to continue strengthening Fiji’s immigration system while delivering services to the public.
The Immigration Ministry was allocated a total of $17.8million in the 2025–2026 National Budget.
