Standing Committee on Social Affairs member Ketan Lal has questioned why security officers, rather than qualified customs officers, are responsible for screening passengers at Nadi International Airport.
During a committee hearing, Mr Lal raised concerns about the qualifications of airport security personnel and their understanding of customs laws and regulations.
“Customs officers are educated, qualified people who know the law, rules and stuff,” Mr Lal said.
“Security officers may not have that qualification to understand certain things with regards to customs laws.”
He questioned why Fiji relied on security officers at various checkpoints when, according to him, international airports in countries such as Australia and New Zealand had customs officers stationed at different points.
Mr Lal said the concerns had also been raised with him by tourists visiting Fiji.
“These are some of the questions I have received from tourists who are visiting our country. I met them along the way in Nadi, and they raised these concerns to me.”
He outlined the passenger screening process at Nadi International Airport, beginning with check-in, followed by ticket verification and security screening.
“When you go to Nadi Airport, first is the check-in counter, then comes the security officer at the front, who is going to check your tickets. Then you go to the security screenings, which are conducted again by security officers, not customs officers.”
Mr Lal questioned whether the current arrangements provided the same level of expertise as those at overseas airports.
“So how do we compare and counter these things?”
Responding to the concerns, Fiji Airports Acting Chief Executive Officer Amit Singh defended the airport’s security arrangements, assuring the committee that its personnel were properly trained and qualified.
“Our security program is of international standard. It is aligned,” Mr Singh said.
He explained that airport security screening and border control were separate functions, with border control procedures taking effect after passengers passed through security.
“Our border control starts from after the security check. Then the border control comes into play.”
Mr Singh maintained that airport security personnel possessed the necessary qualifications and training to operate screening equipment and identify potential threats.
“Our security team are fully qualified and well trained to use the machines and identify, as required, all threats to civil aviation.”
