Fiji is experiencing an unprecedented need for immigration services, with volume of passport applications having increased from 4000 to 6000 each month.
And to cope with the increased demand from consumers, the Immigration Department has reviewed its working hours by opening up our offices as early as 6am to accommodate them and on some days, beginning the registration process as early as 7am.
This was detailed in a ministerial statement delivered by Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua while speaking in Parliament on Thursday.
He also acknowledged the widespread discontent expressed by members of the public in relation to immigration services in Fiji.
Mr Tikoduadua also said there were many challenges faced by the department in terms of printing, computer networks and other “exceptional circumstances”.
“We have separate challenges with a smaller number of passports which are applied for through our overseas missions. Some systems issues are causing delays for about 250 of these applications and we are moving now to address these. It is important to note that, despite the difficulties we face, we are delivering passports to most applicants within five to seven working days. Urgent passport applications are processed within two to three working days.”
He said they had identified the problems being faced and the resources needed.
Mr Tikoduadua said they have had the support of the Ministry of Finance, which had allocated money for staffing.
Overseas donors had also extended a helping hand.
Mr Tikoduadua said there should be a general improvement in service delivery in the next few months.
