The Fiji Corrections Service has called for reforms to the Criminal Records Bill 2025 to ensure that rehabilitated offenders can reintegrate into society without unnecessary delays.
Manager Legal at the Fiji Corrections Service, Samisoni Naba told the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights last week that the current rehabilitation and expungement process can leave prisoners waiting years before their criminal records are cleared.
“These reforms play a vital role in the reintegration process of prisoners to their communities and finding employment opportunities that enable them to live an independent life,” Mr Naba said.
He highlighted the three-phase rehabilitation programs offered by the Corrections Service, which include disciplinary training, treatment programs addressing offending behaviour, and upskilling initiatives.
Prisoners can earn vocational certificates through the Fiji National University or the Fiji Corrections Services own training centres while serving their sentences.
“Once a prisoner completes these programs, waiting another four years for their record to be sealed delays their reintegration and limits employment opportunities.”
The service recommends reducing the standard rehabilitation period for expungement from seven to five years and increasing the sentence threshold for eligibility from 30 months to four years.
Mr Naba also suggested allowing the permanent secretary or a committee to assess applications on a case-by-case basis, guided by rehabilitation reports and good conduct records.
He added that the Bill should explicitly include rehabilitation programs in the assessment criteria for expungement, ensuring that prisoners’ efforts while in custody are recognised.
“Rehabilitation should not end at release. It should be measured by the programs completed inside prison, so that when offenders return to society, they are truly ready to reintegrate.”
