The strengthening of Fiji’s border controls is among the high-priority items in the proposed 2025-2026 National Budget, says Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad.
During a recent visit to Lautoka, Prof. Biman Prasad said this was part of the allocations made to the Fiji Police Force, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Services.
“We have provided significant funding of about $40 million — with the first phase being about $19 million — to address the issue of crime and drugs, which will allow us to recruit 1,000 additional police officers,” said Prof. Prasad.
“We’re hoping police visibility and presence throughout the country will be significantly increased. In fact, those 1000 additional police officers will raise our police officers per 100,000 population to more than 50 per cent of international standards.”
He expressed hope that by addressing the drug issue with the help of Australia and New Zealand, the borders would be more secure.
“Also, we want to make sure we address the issue of drug use already present in the country through drug rehabilitation programs, education, and supporting our law enforcement agencies to work collaboratively to address the fundamental problems we face.”
Prof. Prasad said complementary health services were also being prioritised.
“Apart from addressing those, we have also included additional funding for issues such as kidney dialysis and free medicine.
“We are diversifying our approach in terms of procuring medicines.
“We signed a new agreement with India, and we are working on another government-to-government agreement to source not only cheaper but better and timely supplies of medicine, so that we can address shortages in this country.”
