PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has questioned whether Fiji has been “too passive” in its approach to tackle the illegal immigrant issue.
In Parliament yesterday, he was asked what the Fiji Government was doing to address the issue of over 8000 illegal immigrants in Fiji.
“This morning, at caucus, I asked the Honourable Pio Tikoduadua whether we had been too passive in our enforcement, perhaps we should take a more proactive role with our investigators and our police actually asking people on the street if they look suspicious,” he said.
“Sir, Ma’am, do you have an ID? Excuse me, young girl, do you have an ID? They find out whether she should be in school or she should be on the street. That’s something we need to tighten up.”
Mr Rabuka also said confirmed that plans were afoot to review immigration-related legislation to help authorities carry out their duties better.
When asked about which group of people made up a majority of those illegally residing in Fiji, Mr Rabuka said there was data available.
“The analysis has been taken and made, and it’s not flattering and quite embarrassing if we openly voice or mention the countries of origin at the moment, but they will have to be brought out in the right medium.”
He said the number of illegal immigrants had doubled within one year, as reports showed there were 4709 illegal immigrants in Fiji in January 2023.
