Electronic passport processing services can now be accessed by Fijians at the island nation’s embassy in Brussels, Belgium.
The service was established at the embassy this week, and it means Fijians living in Europe can now lodge applications for an electronic Fijian passport.
Fiji’s Ambassador to Belgium Ambassador Deo Saran said that establishing the new system at the embassy would bring relief to Fijians living in Europe.
He said Fijians could apply for the e-passports directly at the embassy through the submission of their biometric details.
He highlighted that the introduction of e-passport brings border management system on par with other international systems.
“The embassy is inviting Fijians living in Europe to take advantage of this new service and to contact the embassy for the application guidelines and processes,” Mr Saran said.
“We are pleased that the Immigration Department recognises that this new service will benefit the Fijian diaspora living here in Europe.”
A Government statement issued last night said former New Zealand rugby union player Joe Rokocoko – now a coaching consultant in Paris – was the first to apply for a replacement e-passport at the embassy.
“It’s perfect especially for Fijian families living in France and near to Belgium. Fijians living in Europe have been asking for a place to lodge their passport applications and this is a positive thing for us and positive for the other families that will be coming soon to lodge their applications,” Mr Rokocoko was quoted as saying.
The new electronic passports was introduced by Fiji’s Immigration Department in September 2019.
It says the e-passports will consolidate security requirements at Fiji’s borders and ease travel for Fijian passport holders at ports of entry around the globe.
It contains a new range of security features that will make it much more difficult for people to enter the country illegally, establishing a more secure Fijian passport.
The new passport is designed to avoid forgery, identity theft, passport tampering and reproduction.
Fijians living in Europe who are interested in learning more about this new service are advised to contact the embassy on email: info@fijiembassy.be
Fiji now joins the ranks of 54 other countries from around the globe that have already integrated such technology within their passports.
