GOVERNMENT will purchase another 100,000 passport books in the new financial year as part of efforts to permanently eliminate passport shortages while modernising Fiji’s immigration systems, said Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto.
Mr Naupoto welcomed the allocation following yesterday’s budget announcement, saying it would allow the ministry to continue meeting increasing demand for passports.
“I’m happy that we still have the money to purchase another 100,000 passports, we want to make sure that the passport shortage is something of the past,” he said.
He said the budget also provided funding for major technology upgrades at Fiji’s borders.
“The money that we’re given this year will allow us to put in place the API, PNR data system.
“With Australia as our partners, we’re putting in place the MERIT system.
“The MERIT system will replace the Informatics, which is the current system that looks after our water management system.”
According to Mr Naupoto, the two systems would strengthen border management and improve passenger processing at international airports.
When asked whether the $5million allocated for passport procurement would be enough to satisfy demand, Mr Naupoto was confident it would.
“It is sufficient. In the past years, we have always been allocated 40,000 books per year.”
“Last year, which is this financial year, is the first time we purchased 100,000, and it looks like that is the demand.”
“So getting another 100,000 books in the financial year, certainly will help.”
