The Criminal Records Bill 2025 passed by Parliament yesterday will give rehabilitated offenders a pathway to employment and a real second chance while maintaining safeguards for community safety, Parliament heard yesterday.
Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga said the legislation was a landmark step for restorative justice in Fiji and aimed at helping rehabilitated individuals rebuild their lives and find employment.
“This Bill opens up the pathway to employment and opportunity to build a new life for rehabilitated individuals who meet these requirements,” Mr Turaga said.
The Bill would also allow for the expungement of historical homosexual offences and provide for the expiation of fixed penalty offences where fines had been paid or imprisonment served.
Mr Turaga said the legislation would ensure Fiji Police clearance certificates did not include spent, expunged or expiated convictions.
