IMMIGRATION officials have been reminded to stay informed, professional, and sensitive to the principles of refugee protection.
Acting director for the Ministry of Immigration Taraivini Savou made the call during the opening of a two-day workshop in Suva yesterday titled ‘Fundamentals of Refugee Status Determination in Practice.’
“You are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking protection,” Ms Savou said.
“The decisions you make and how you carry out your duties directly affect the lives and safety of vulnerable people.”
The training, held in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), aims to strengthen Fiji’s refugee and asylum frameworks at both policy and operational levels.
Ms Savou said earlier joint consultations in February and June 2024 helped refine the MOI-UNHCR Refugee Status Determination (RSD) Standard Operating Procedures and laid the groundwork for Fiji’s first National Refugee Policy.
“These are significant developments — ones that reaffirm Fiji’s growing leadership in the Pacific region in upholding international protection standards.
“As officers of the ministry, it is our duty to uphold these legal and humanitarian obligations with integrity and professionalism.”
She said the workshop was more than just a refresher.
“It is designed to sharpen your understanding of the practical application of RSD principles and to equip you with the necessary tools and skills to implement Version One of the Joint RSD SOP in line with both international obligations and our national laws.”
