Prime Minister Bainimarama launches ePassport
Anew passport was introduced yesterday as part of the official launch of the ePassport solution.
Called the Official passport, it is black and will be used for senior civil servants on official visits and members of the disciplined services on peacekeeping missions.
In the past, peacekeepers would carry two passports, an ordinary passport and an emergency passport.
From now on, the emergency passport will be replaced with the new official ePassport.
Four types of ePassports are now available, including the: Standard Passport (blue) – ($200)
Emergency Passport (blue) – ($275)
Official Passport (Black) – ($250)
Diplomatic Passport (Maroon) – ($250) Director Immigration Nemani Vuniwaqa said the fees increase was attributed to the services provided and considerations of the new improvements, the validity and the number of pages (64) that the ePassports now have. While launching the new ePassports, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said in 10 weeks there would be at least six passport stations located within post offices throughout the country, allowing Fijians living outside of the centres to lodge applications and have their ePassports processed.
“This will further bridge the digital divide, saving those living outside of our urban hubs the time and money they once had to dedicate to acquiring their documentation,” he said.
“And for those in our Fijian diaspora family living abroad, our offshore missions –– starting with those in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom –– will be able to process ePassport applications on their own.”
The machines will also be installed in Fijian high commissions around the globe.
While launching the new ePassports, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said in 10 weeks there would be at least six passport stations located within post offices throughout the country, allowing Fijians living outside of the centres to lodge applications and have their ePassports processed.