FNPF takes proactive measures

WHILE no cases of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Fiji, the Fiji National Provident Fund is still taking proactive measures and will be implementing new processes in response to the threat of the pandemic.

FNPF chief executive officer Jaoji Koroi said these response plans would ensure that the fund would continue to provide critical services to its members and stakeholders.

He said effective immediately, renewal certificates due for March and April would not be required to be submitted for pension payments.

“This means that pensioners do not need to come to the fund to fill in their renewal certificates from the 16th of March until the 28th of April. We will pay their pension on the presumption of life,” he said.

Mr Koroi said the fund would also be exploring means of digital validation in the future.

“The World Health Organization has identified older adults as one of the highrisk groups and given that this includes our pensioners, we have decided to waive this process to minimise physical contact.”

He said the fund would also be conducting simulation tests next week for the online submission and offsite processing of funeral applications – which typically had high expectations from its members.

“Members submitting applications for funeral assistance on Thursday, 19th March will need to submit online so we are able to test the end-to-end process, from the submission of the application, processing and payment.

“We apologise in advance for any delayed service, however, it is critical that the fund tests all these processes to ensure FNPF is ready to operate under any adverse circumstances.”

He said the fund was liaising closely with its subsidiaries and other relevant government agencies and was also monitoring the international situation.

“Let me emphasise that FNPF is a long-term investor. COVID-19 will have some impact on our performance, but it’s too early to put that into exact numbers as the scenarios are still evolving.”