IMMIGRATION Minister Viliame Naupoto has highlighted cases of work permit fraud involving foreign agents and the irresponsible sharing of access credentials by local employers.
He told a panel discussion at the Top Executive (TOPEX) conference in Nadi that there was a need for collective responsibility in managing the immigration system.
“We are finding out, just to give you an example, there are agents sitting in Bangladesh applying for work permits, applying for an extension of a work permit,” he said.
Mr Naupoto said those discrepancies were detected by Immigration when processing applications.
Mr Naupoto said the discrepancies were brought to light after officials noticed irregularities traced back to an unauthorised agent operating from Bangladesh.
This agent was illegally handling applications, which led to the discovery of signature discrepancies on the passports of foreign workers already residing in the country.
“That is irresponsible of the employer that gave away the access codes in the Immigration hub to this guy who is sitting over here.”
Mr Naupoto emphasised the shared role of both the Government and employers in maintaining the integrity of the process, urging businesses to focus on more than just processing speed.
“So, managing it collectively, you have a role, we have a role. So, don’t just ask how fast we get your work permit, ask the other questions also.”
