Fiji’s outdated quarantine laws could soon be modernised with stiffer penalties and clearer definitions, under the proposed Quarantine (Amendment) Bill 2025 tabled in Parliament this week.
The Bill, which seeks to amend the Quarantine Act 1964, introduces key policy and regulatory updates aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to prevent the spread of infectious diseases through people, goods, and transport.
One of the major changes is the introduction of fixed penalties, replacing outdated fines.
Under Clause 4 of the Bill, the current fines of $50 and $100 would be increased to $500 and $1,000 respectively.
Clause 5 proposes further penalties of $1,000 for non-compliance with quarantine rules. Anyone who fails to pay the fine could face criminal prosecution.
The Bill also shifts key responsibilities within government. Clause 3 transfers the authority to appoint quarantine officers from the Minister to the Permanent Secretary, aligning with modern administrative structures.
Clause 2 updates the definitions in the Act, expanding the term “ship” to include yachts and superyachts — a change seen as crucial in monitoring high-end international arrivals. It also formally defines the responsible Permanent Secretary and Minister.
“Large ships that regularly berth at our seaports, traverse large oceans, and berth at many international ports more than that we used to have before, which requires our close monitoring of disease patterns in these nations and their ports of entry,” said Health Minister Dr Atonio LalaBalavu while introducing the Bill.
“The penalties in the Act are also outdated and no longer serve as a deterrent. Some administrative powers lack clarity, creating challenges at the very point where vigilance matters most – our borders.”
The proposed law has been referred to the Standing Committee of Justice, Law and Human Rights.
