Ex-immigration staff member suggests lowering passport cost

Aformer staff member from the Department of Immigration has suggested a possible price reduction for Fijians applying for a passport.

Amelia Virivirilou raised the issue about the expensive cost of attaining a Fijian passport and believed the cost was unreasonable considering the financial challenges faced by Fijians.

During the public consultation on the review of the Immigration Act 2003 in Labasa, yesterday, Ms Virivirilou claimed during her term working for the department in the 1980s, the cost of a passport was $10 and renewals were only $5, but, this was $200 now.

“Not everybody has that sort of money to apply for a passport so let us make the price reasonable for all,” she said.

Department of Immigration, Manager Visa and Permits, Yogendra Kumar, said they would look into this request for any possible change.

During his Northern Division visit earlier this month, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua confirmed that the cost of Fiji passports were currently under review.

He said an announcement would be made in July on whether there would be an increase or decrease on the cost of Fiji passports.

Ms Virivirilou also sought clarification whether any non-citizen of Fiji registered under the Vola Ni Kawa Bula (VNKB) could be permitted to enter Fiji without a permit or visa.

A representative from the Office of the Attorney-General, said: “This is under consideration and through genuine consultations like this, we will be able to make best decisions on any changes.”

Ms Virivirilou said if non-Fijian citizens registered under the VNKB are permitted to enter the country without a permit or visa, then Fijian citizens should be allowed to enter overseas countries without permit or visa.