THE Immigration Department is searching for 20 prohibited immigrants who have been avoiding deportation.
In Parliament this week, Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto said the Government had set aside $100,000 to detain, deport and deny re-entry for undocumented immigrants in the current financial year.
He confirmed two of the latest deportations were carried out earlier this week.
“For the first time, we’ve had $100,000 for deportations in the 2024-2025 financial year,” he said. “It used to be just $20,000 all these years. Out of that $100,000, $48,000 is left, so it has been used up.
“Right now, we are tracking down 20 prohibited immigrants who’ve been avoiding us, and those 20, I think, will chew up the rest of that $48,000.
Mr Naupoto said the latest deportation was conducted on April 30 and the one before that was executed last Saturday.
“Even in those two removals, the one on Saturday was paid for by the country of destination while the deportation on April 30 was paid for by the State.”
Mr Naupoto said the Government has two measures for dealing with illegal immigrants.
“One is we try to stop people from entering illegally and ensure those that enter legally remain legal.
“If you have a permit when you are in the country, and it needs extension, make sure you extend it on time.
“If you do not, you become an illegal immigrant.”
