Fiji seeking to empower e-passport holders with SmartGate access in NZ

Fiji’s Ministry of Immigration is in discussions with New Zealand to allow Fijian e-passport holders to use NZ’s SmartGate system at its airports.

This is similar to their access to Australia’s e-gates.

Fiji’s Immigration Minister, Viliame Naupoto, says the initiative will ensure Fijian e-passport holders can pass through passport control more quickly and efficiently.

The development follows Naupoto’s announcement in the Fijian Parliament this week that Fiji citizens with valid e-passports can now access Australia's SmartGate system, commonly known as e-gates, when entering and departing from Australian airports.

“This important development reflects Australia's recognition of the high security features and International Civil Aviation Organisation compliance of Fiji's biometric e-passport and marks a positive step in improving travel facilitation for our citizens,” Naupoto says.

“Using SmartGate, Fijian travellers will enjoy faster, more convenient and contactless processing at major Australian international airports, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing the overall travel experience.

“This milestone not only strengthens our bilateral ties with Australia but also underscores the integrity of our border systems and identity management infrastructure.”

Naupoto told Parliament that in addition to Australia, the government plans to engage in similar discussions with New Zealand authorities to secure access to the SmartGate system for Fijian e-passport holders entering NZ.

Naupoto says Fiji will also pursue similar arrangements with other key destination countries in the Northern Hemisphere.

The epassports have an embedded electronic microprocessor chip which contains biometric information. Photo/BiometricUpdate

Fiji began issuing e-passports, also known as biometric passports, on 19 September 2019, but these passports have not yet been enabled for use at e-gates around the world.

The new e-passports are designed with enhanced security features and a chip containing biometric data, aiming to improve border security and streamline travel processes.

Currently, Fijian e-passport holders must undergo manual passport checks upon arrival in New Zealand, as they are not yet eleigible for e-gate access.

Naupoto announced that FJ$0.3million (NZ$0.22m) has been allocated to purchase e-passport enrollment kits for Fiji diplomatic missions overseas. The kits will allow missions to record the biometric data necessary for e-passport applications.

Meanwhile, the Immigration Ministry is working to clear a backlog of applications for passports, visas, and work permits.

“The new stock of 100,000 passports has begun arriving into the country, receiving the first batch last week and the next batch of 35,000 towards the end of this month,” Naupoto says.

A shortage of Fiji passport books has resulted in the backlog of applications this year. Photo/Fiji High Commission AU

“There is a plan already in place to deal with the passport backlog, including extending office hours to 8pm when the 25,000 books batch is received.”

The goal is to clear all backlogs by the end of August and restore normal passport processing times.

The backlog has affected Fijians in New Zealand who applied for new passports, either for renewal or replacement, since February of this year and have yet to receive them.

The Fiji High Commission in Wellington says that with the new passport books arriving at the end of this month, priority will be given to applications submitted in February, and these applicants can expect to receive their passport next month.

Watch the Fiji's Immigration Minister's speech in the Parliament here.