There are 4709 illegal immigrants in Fiji as of January this year, says director of Immigration Amelia Komaisavai.

And the bulk of them are students from the region pursuing tertiary studies in Fiji’s three universities.

“The number will always fluctuate, depending on the expiry of permits and regularisation of illegal status whilst in Fiji,” she said in response to queries from The Fiji Times.

“Ninety per cent of overstayers are regional students who study in local universities.”

Ms Komaisavai, however, said there were some unruly elements among those living illegally in Fiji.

“Illegal immigrants who are considered overstayers include those with criminal adverse records.

“However, those that remain in Fiji are mostly regional students with their dependents pursuing studies and residing in the country.”

In a bid to address the overstayers issue, she said Fiji Immigration continued to meet and work with the regional high commissions and universities to address this issue with the regional students.

“In 2021 and 2022, the (Immigration) Department published media releases advising all foreign nationals to extend/regularise their permit when it’s due to expire or has expired.”