Fiji’s key migration laws are being reviewed to address modern border challenges and improve national security.
The final report and draft bill to update the Passport Act 2002, Immigration Act 2003 and Citizenship of Fiji Act 2009 were officially handed over to the Ministry of Immigration in Suva yesterday.
Fiji Law Reform Commission director Reijieli Tuisawau said the laws no longer reflected current global migration realities, including new technologies, labour mobility, and rising transnational crime.
She said the reforms would “strengthen border integrity, modernise citizenship processes and enhance compliance and enforcement capabilities”.
Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga said the review was the result of months of nationwide consultation involving individuals, professional bodies, and government agencies.
“The new framework will balance labour migration with local employment needs and simplify laws so they are easier to understand and apply,” he said.
He confirmed that the bills would go before the Cabinet Subcommittee on Legislation before being tabled in Parliament, likely by early next year.
Permanent Secretary for Immigration Aliki Salusalu said the reforms would help close enforcement gaps and improve coordination between border and labour agencies to protect foreign workers from exploitation.
