Fiji Immigration now linked to INTERPOL information system

Access to crimes and criminals, names, fingerprints and stolen passports is now available.

The I-247 INTERPOL Information System is now live and the Department of Immigration is now able to access real time information shared by more than 190-member countries. Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho acknowledged INTERPOL’s support in extending the I-247 system to other law enforcement agencies in Fiji.

“Immigration officials now have direct access to the INTERPOL Information System for officers to conduct real time search/check, sharing of information on crimes and criminals, names, fingerprints to stolen passports,” he said. “When a person enters our borders, whether it be at our international airports to Maritime ports, details of those arriving can be entered into the INTERPOL Information System and they will know who is wanted by INTERPOL through the records shared by 194-member countries.” of information was vital, and INTERPOL had, for decades, assisted the Fiji Police Force in tacking transnational crime.

“Fiji has been a member of INTERPOL since 1971 and we have benefitted greatly through Police to Police co-operation efforts and training opportunities. And the extension of its services to the Immigration Department is another major boost in tackling transnational crime and an added security platform for the nation whereby, as the hub of travel into the Pacific, we will also be able to help our neighbouring island nations, being the first to have the system,” Mr Qiliho said.

“The I-247 database will also help our information and intelligence gathering efforts in regards to the threats of terrorism in securing our borders especially since Fiji’s reputation as an ideal location for hosting global meetings continues to grow, and is another avenue of ensuring the safety of global leaders who come to our country.” The Fiji Police has had access to the I-247 system since 2004. A request made to Government by the Commissioner of Police to extend the database system to the Department of Immigration was approved with funding and facilitated this year.