Fiji finalising works to transition passport renewals to online

Fijians around the world will soon be able to renew their own passports online.

Fiji’s Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto says they are currently undertaking the necessary works as they modernise their whole system.

Naupoto says it will come online in the next financial year, which runs from August 1st to July 31st.

“It will allow you to apply and renew your passport from home as long as you have the internet,” Naupoto says.

“You do not have to appear in person at an immigration office.”

In a pre-Fiji budget video message, the Minister stated that only those applying for their passports for the first time will be required to go to an immigration office for biometrics.

'This (upgrade) is going into the second week, and we expect it to take five weeks, and the system is supposed to come online.’

The move is part of Fiji’s plans to modernise its passport services promising faster and more convenient access for thousands of citizens.

For the Fijian diaspora in New Zealand, applications for passport renewals are only done at the Fiji High Commission Office in Wellington.

Fiji's Ministry of Immigration is in the process of having all their services available online. Photo/PMN News

70-year-old Olivia Bolatgici says this is welcome news for every Fijian overseas especially if you live far from the consular offices.

“I remember, we had to go to Fiji twice to renew our passports because it was much more convenient for us as we didn’t want to wait for months here.”

Bolatagici who has been in New Zealand for over 50 years says given that the cost of living has increased, getting renewals done online is convenient and cost effective.

“To be able to get it done online saves money on fuel, public transport, flights, accommodation, and time away from work just to get to and from Wellington.

Fijians in Auckland utilising a Ministry of Immigration roadshow in New Zealand last year. Photo/PMN Fiji

“We will also have the guarantee of having our applications submitted on the same day.”

Mosese Cava, who has been living in Auckland for almost 15 years now says it’s a long time coming.

“At this modern day and age, it makes sense to have the renewal be done digitally.

It’s a long process applying for a renewal here and takes months before you get your passport book. No one likes the long wait,” Cava says.

Passport renewal applications are sent to Fiji for processing and the wait time is normally up to three months. Photo/Fiji High Commission

The 51-year-old says his family has had to travel to Fiji to get their passports renewed because it was much more convenient for them.

“Now, from the comfort of our own home we can apply ourselves. It is very good and very useful.”

Consular staff at the Fiji High Commission in Wellington visit Auckland and Christchurch monthly to render passports services, these include applications for new passports as well as renewals and replacements. These are then sent to Fiji for processing.

According to the High Commission, the average processing time is two to three months. Applications made through their mobile kits take longer and delays in processing may occur when the applications are incomplete or require further clarification.

Watch Fiji's Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto outline works currently undertaken to improve immigration services.

Urgent applications, which cost almost twice as the normal applications are also directed through the online system for prioritised processing.