Fiji Signs Direct Funding Agreement of FJD $1.7 Million for ICT Upgrades of Fiji Immigration Department

The Government of Fiji and the Australian Government have signed the Direct Funding Agreement of FJD1.7 Million for the advancement of the Fijian Immigration Department’s (FID) Information Communication and Technological (ICT) Infrastructure.

This collaboration speaks to the achievements of the Fijian Immigration Department in introducing new technologies through E-passports, Smart Gates, Border Management System, with recognition also on FID’s vision to transition to e-platform and digitisation for easy accessibility, efficiency and transparency at all levels.

The Agreement was signed yesterday by the Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister, Yogesh Karan and the Department of Home Affairs Regional Director Pacific, Andrew Rice. The signing was witnessed by the Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes, Australian Counsellor (Department of Home Affairs, Engagement), Emily Dowling and Australian First Secretary (Department of Home Affairs), Sean Stewart.

The funding agreement is part of the Border Security Assistance Package (BSAP) initiative established under the Fiji Australia “Vuvale” Partnership. The BSAP initiative supports the modernisation of the Fijian Border Security arrangements, through a combination of human and technological development.

The strategic objectives of the Agreement includes, Digitisation of all records within FID and establishment of digital record keeping system for all future processes; Supporting the implementation of emerging technologies, including biometric matching, Advanced Passenger Processing (APP) and automated border clearance processes; and Establishing the ongoing bilateral information sharing and cooperative working arrangements between FID and the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

On behalf of the Honourable Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Mr. Karan conveyed the Fijian Government’s sincere appreciation to the Australian Government for its remarkable support to this innovative partnership.

Mr. Karan said the initiative supports the Fijian Government’s commitment to ‘An inclusive, safe, secure, stable and prosperous Fiji” through comprehensively developing the Border Security and Immigration Service.

“These strategies resonate through priorities, which are now more pressing given the current impact of the COVID pandemic on the Immigration Department operations. We are grateful to the Australian Government for this timely assistance to the Fijian Immigration Department which will address these urgent priorities.

“The benefits of this funding support to users and to the Fijian economy is enormous given the upgrade on ICT infrastructure and implementation of emerging technologies. This includes the support towards online processing and assessment of all Immigration services. Fiji will improve its ranking in ‘ease of doing business’ through efficient processing and accessibility of Immigration services to users locally and internationally,” Mr. Karan said.

Mr. Karan said the Fijian Immigration Department will work closely with Australian Team to ensure the plans outlined as per the agreement are achieved within a set timeframe. He also acknowledged the swift response and support rendered by the Australian Department of Home Affairs in the development of Standard Operating Procedures and review of the overall systems and process within the Fijian Immigration Department.

Department of Home Affairs Regional Director Pacific, Mr. Andrew Rice said that Australia’s Border Security Assistance Package (BSAP) plays a key role in enhancing Fiji’s border security arrangements.

He said this funding agreement will provide a modern and digital border management environment for Fiji and assist in establishing bio-secure borders as the international travel resumes. He stated that COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of border management systems and processes that collect and process data in real time.

High Commissioner Feakes said that through the Department of Home Affairs in Fiji, Australia is working with Fijian border agencies to establish a deep and expanding cooperative relationship on border security matters.

“The Department of Home Affairs supports Australia’s step-up in the pacific, particularly as it relates to the movement of people and goods across the Pacific. The cooperation and development assistance provided by the Department of Home Affairs through the Australian Border Force (ABF) supports the economic, social and security agenda of the Fijian government.

“The Department and ABF enjoy close working relationships with Customs and Immigration agencies across the Pacific, as well as with our aviation industry stakeholders. Modernisation and enhancement of border security arrangements is a high priority for the Pacific, and Australia will continue to look for collaborative opportunities to support our partners wherever possible.”