THOUSANDS of Fijians burdened by decades-old criminal convictions would soon get a fresh start under the Criminal Records Bill 2025 which was passed in Parliament on Wednesday.
Justice Minister and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga said the law would allow rehabilitated individuals convicted of non-serious offences to clear their criminal records and rebuild their lives.
“A lot of people have been waiting for this Bill to be delivered,” Mr Turaga said.
“We have come here today to say this, the Coalition Government has delivered by providing a new opportunity for people.”
Mr Turaga shared the case of a man whose 30-year-old conviction prevented him from migrating to the US with his family despite winning a green card.
“By the operation of this Bill, when it becomes an Act, those convictions will be spent.”
The minister said the current legal framework unfairly continued to punish people long after they had rehabilitated themselves.
“We have the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, yes, 10 years. Yet the problem is this — after 10 years, you pay a fee, you get a certificate, however, your conviction stays.”
He said the Bill would particularly benefit Fijians seeking work opportunities overseas, including in Australia, New Zealand and the US military.
“The Bill opens a new pathway to employment and opportunity, to build a new life for rehabilitative individuals who meet these requirements.”
