Australia is “opening its doors” for capacity building, secondment, and training programs to boost knowledge of immigration staff and continue with the upgrade of immigration systems.
Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs Regional Director Pacific, Andrew Rice said this while paying a courtesy call to the Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister and Immigration, Yogesh Karan, yesterday.
The meeting reaffirmed Australia’s support towards the Fijian Immigration Department as part of ongoing efforts to further enhance our immigration systems.
Mr Rice said they are open to more discussions in areas of interest within the Immigration Department.
The meeting also follows the signing of the Direct Funding Agreement of $1.7 million between Fiji and Australia last year, for the advancement of the Fijian Immigration Department’s (FID) Information Communication and Technological (ICT) Infrastructure.
Mr Karan, in response, conveyed the Fijian Government’s sincere appreciation to Australia for its tremendous assistance and ongoing support.
He said Australia’s assistance certainly supports the Fijian Government’s commitment to an inclusive, safe, secure, stable, and prosperous Fiji through comprehensively developing the Border Security and Immigration Services, among other important initiatives.
Mr Karan said Fiji will continue to work closely with Australia to ensure effective and efficient services are delivered by the Immigration Department.
