FIJIANS in remote areas without digital access will still be able to obtain physical National Identity (NID) cards, the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) has confirmed.
Speaking at a public consultation in Lautoka, RBF project manager Praneel Prasad said the system would offer two options: a digital ID via a mobile app or a traditional card-based ID.
“So please bear in mind that we will have two options for these ID cards,” Mr Prasad said.
He reassured citizens that registration would be voluntary.
“It’s optional and voluntary … once you start to see the benefits, you will want to go and register because you will see the efficiencies associated with the National ID.”
Mr Prasad emphasised inclusivity, noting the physical ID rollout would ensure no citizen was left behind due to digital exclusion.
“For those who do not have digital access, there will be physical IDs rolled out as well in the form of a card.”
The NID system aims to streamline access to government and financial services, offering efficiency while ensuring equitable access for all Fijians, including those in the country’s most isolated communities.
Fiji joining global trend
FIJI is among 90 other developing countries that have adopted the National Identity (NID) card system,
according to Reserve Bank project manager Praneel Prasad.
Speaking at the National Identity (NID) system public consultation in Lautoka, Mr Prasad said Fiji was not
the only country introducing this digital ID system.
“We are among 90 other developing countries and developed countries that have implemented some
sort of foundational ID systems like what we are trying to do right now,” he said.
“So, it is something that it is about time (we implement) with the Government and the Reserve Bank and our development partners.”
Mr Prasad said their development partner, Asian Development Bank felt that it was important for Fiji
to venture into the national identity card system.
“We have countries like Australia, Kiribati, New Zealand, PNG, and Samoa who basically have trying to implement.
“Ensuring that we learn from these 90 other countries and try to mitigate risks that are identified – data breaches, identity fraud, emphasising that this tool is not for any government surveillance, and stealing identification for publication purposes.”
