A disparity in hotel accommodation entitlements for Fiji’s civil servants has been highlighted in a newly released government circular, with senior officials eligible for up to 320% more per night than their junior colleagues in some locations.
Circular 17/2025, issued by the Acting Permanent Secretary for Civil Service, Pita Tagicakirewa, outlines revised nightly ceiling rates effective from 27 October 2025.
The policy splits civil servants into two categories: Permanent Secretaries and Officers on Band M and above (Category I), and all other officers on Band L and below (Category II).
A comparison of the new rates reveals stark contrasts.
The largest gap is in Lautoka/Ba, where a senior officer (Category I) can claim up to $420 per night, while a junior officer (Category II) is limited to $280—a difference of $140, or 50%.
Substantial differences also exist in other key areas are for Sigatoka: $350 (Category I) vs. $270 (Category II) – a $80 difference.
In Suva: $300 (Category I) vs. $230 (Category II) – a $70 difference.
For a night in Nadi: $350 (Category I) vs. $250 (Category II) – a $100 difference and for Taveuni: $270 (Category I) vs. $160 (Category II) – a $110 difference.
However, the circular also shows a policy of uniformity in more remote locations.
For postings to Lau, Kadavu, Rotuma, and the islands of Cikobia, Kia, Yacata, and Rabi, the nightly rate is capped at a flat $100 for all officers, regardless of rank.
A flat rate of $120 also applies to all officers in Tavua and Cikobia…, and $130 in Tailevu.
The directive mandates that all ministries must secure three quotations for accommodation, selecting the most cost-effective option within these approved ceilings.
