We should not see refugees as burdens, said Minister for Immigration, Viliame Naupoto while speaking at the 2025 Refugee Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue in Suva yesterday.
He affirmed Fiji’s commitment to upholding its obligation to protect them with compassion and fairness.
“We see them (refugees) as mothers, fathers, sons and daughters full of potential,” he said.
“We see our own families, our own hopes reflected in their eyes. When given the opportunity, they thrive, they contribute, and they become part of our shared story.”
“We acknowledge the constraints small economies face, as we in the Pacific Island countries face in developing comprehensive asylum systems.”
“On its part, Fiji has charted a path forward by granting work rights to asylum seekers early in the process; we enable them to live with dignity, contribute economically and reduce their dependence on limited aid resources.”
