Foreigners overstaying visas 'a significant concern'
Fiji Immigration. Nadi International Airport.
Photo:
Fiji Immigration
The Fijian Immigration Ministry is concerned about foreign nationals overstaying their visa permits.
In a statement on Tuesday, the acting permanent secretary for immigration Lesikimauata Korovavala said Fiji has seen a rise in the number of foreigners seeking employment opportunities in the country.
According to Fiji's immigration laws, foreigners who do not have proper authorisation are not permitted to be employed.
Korovavala said that, while the Immigration Office acknowledges the need to attract skilled professionals, "compliance with immigration laws remains a key priority to ensure a well-regulated system."
The Fijian government
has identified the outbound exodus of Fijians
as a major challenge to meeting the nation's labour demand.
The government is considering revising laws to allow more overseas workers as a solution to address the outward migration and skills shortages.
However, Korovavala said the number of foreign nationals without proper documentation "is of significant concern".
"In light of this, all individuals currently residing in Fiji without a valid permit are strongly encouraged to take immediate steps to regularise their immigration status."
Korovavala said this would prevent complications related to their departure from and re-entry into the country.
The Immigration Ministry warns it will take action against those who are staying in the country unlawfully.
He also urged Fijian employers to comply with immigration regulations.
Last month, Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto told parliament that the Immigration Department
issued over 7500 work permits
between August 2023 and January 2025.
In November 2024, eight Bangladeshi workers
absconded from their employers
.
Pio Tikoduadua, the immigration minister at the time, appealed to the migrant workers to "declare themselves to police", while the Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh they would be deported.
Between January and July 2024, Bangladeshi nationals received 700 out of 1300 work permits.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
'Commitment To Building Bridges Through Rugby' - FRU And China Sign MOU
Fiji and China have signed a rugby deal. Fiji Rakavi Football Union (FRU) trustee representative Jenny Seeto signed the memorandum of understanding with Wang Yun, President of the China Rugby Football Association (CRFA). A statement out of the FRU's Rugby House headquarters in Suva said the MOU focuses on elevating the sport in both nations. "This MOU is more than a document; it is a commitment to building bridges through rugby," Seeto said. "For Fiji, China offers vast potential for competition, career development, and youth training. "For China, Fiji's rugby talent and coaching expertise will accelerate the sport's growth and global reach." Discussions explored mutual interests, including building competitive team frameworks, talent development pathways, and deepening sports diplomacy between Fiji and China. FRU board chairman and a former Flying Fijian, John Sanday, said the agreement is an exciting step for both unions. "We look forward to joint initiatives such as rugby academies, youth exchanges, and high-performance programs that will benefit athletes and communities in both countries," Sanday said. Wang Yun said China is interested in two areas, talent development and grassroots growth. He said they want to utilise Fiji's elite coaching systems to establish a three-tier national team structure in China aimed at building stronger, more competitive teams for international competition. With Fiji's support, the Chinese union plans to develop a mature competitive framework by launching branded events and expanding rugby's reach among Chinese youth and communities. "This MOU is not limited to five years - it is a gateway to a lasting partnership," he said. "Together, we will promote cultural exchange, host joint international events, and create deeper bonds through the language of sport." Fijian coaches have been actively involved with China in the past. Former sevens captain and current Fiji men's head coach, Osea Kolinisau, had two seasons as coach of the China national women's team, alongside another former Fijian rplayer, Setefaco Cakau. Former player Ben Soso is the current coach for Huagan Rugby Club. Soso said they will leverage Huagan Rugby Club's role as a bridge and link to create new opportunities and generate new value for the growth of rugby in both countries. Several Fijian stars had also played rugby in China, including Mariana Talatoka of the Fijiana 7s team, who joined Huagan Rugby in May 2022; and current Fiji men's player Joji Nasova, who played for Huagan Rugby from 2022 to 2023.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Scoop
Fiji FICAC Saga: Suspension Rescinded, Appointments Revoked
Barbara Malimali was revealed as the new anti-corruption commissioner last September. Fiji's prime minister says the country's president has reviewed his decision to suspend the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, and rescinded the suspension. However, President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has instead revoked the initial appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner. Sitiveni Rabuka wrote on Facebook that this was to implement the first recommendation in chapter eight of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) report in accordance with legal advice. Lalabalavu has also withdrawn the rescission of the appointment of Lisiate Fotofili as acting deputy FICAC Commissioner and his return to his substantive position in the judiciary. Instead, he has revoked his initial appointment as acting deputy Commissioner – also 'in accordance with the first recommendation in chapter eight of the COI report'. The Fiji Law Society issued a statement on Sunday saying suspending the Commissioner of FICAC without the advice of the Judicial Services Commission is unlawful. Society President, Wylie Clarke said the prime minister has no constitutional role in the appointment or discipline of the Commissioner and acting deputy Commissioner of FICAC. Barbara Malimali – who was also the Electoral Commission chairperson – was revealed as the new FICAC commissioner last September. The announcement was causing a stir due to it being unclear if she held the Electoral Commission chairperson role at the time of for appointment – raising concerns about conflict of interest. Then, Malimali was taken for questioning by FICAC officers, sanctioned by the anti-corruption agency's acting deputy commissioner Francis Puleiwai. The Law Society statement this week said the 'FICAC saga' has distracted the Fijian government for many months and the Society had hoped the COI report would bring that to an end. Fiji Opposition leader, Inia Seruiratu, has called on the Government to make the COI report public. Rabuka said he is committed to release of the report which is funded by the people of Fiji. 'However this will be done in a manner to ensure that investigations are not prejudiced, civil rights of accused persons are respected and the rule of law maintained,' he said.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Scoop
Fiji FICAC Saga: Suspension Rescinded, Appointments Revoked
Fiji's prime minister says the country's president has reviewed his decision to suspend the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, and rescinded the suspension. However, President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has instead revoked the initial appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner. Sitiveni Rabuka wrote on Facebook that this was to implement the first recommendation in chapter eight of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) report in accordance with legal advice. Lalabalavu has also withdrawn the rescission of the appointment of Lisiate Fotofili as acting deputy FICAC Commissioner and his return to his substantive position in the judiciary. Instead, he has revoked his initial appointment as acting deputy Commissioner - also "in accordance with the first recommendation in chapter eight of the COI report". The Fiji Law Society issued a statement on Sunday saying suspending the Commissioner of FICAC without the advice of the Judicial Services Commission is unlawful. Society President, Wylie Clarke said the prime minister has no constitutional role in the appointment or discipline of the Commissioner and acting deputy Commissioner of FICAC. Barbara Malimali - who was also the Electoral Commission chairperson - was revealed as the new FICAC commissioner last September. The announcement was causing a stir due to it being unclear if she held the Electoral Commission chairperson role at the time of for appointment - raising concerns about conflict of interest. Then, Malimali was taken for questioning by FICAC officers, sanctioned by the anti-corruption agency's acting deputy commissioner Francis Puleiwai. The Law Society statement this week said the "FICAC saga" has distracted the Fijian government for many months and the Society had hoped the COI report would bring that to an end. Fiji Opposition leader, Inia Seruiratu, has called on the Government to make the COI report public. Rabuka said he is committed to release of the report which is funded by the people of Fiji. "However this will be done in a manner to ensure that investigations are not prejudiced, civil rights of accused persons are respected and the rule of law maintained," he said.
