Nadi, Fiji – Key border management agencies operating at Nadi International Airport, Fiji’s main international entry ports, came together on Tuesday 15 February to discuss with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) strategies to implement integrated border management under the COVID-19 pandemic public health protocols, crucial for Fiji’s economic recovery.

The first meeting at the operational level of border management was convened by UNDP to introduce its newly embarked initiative, resilient integrated Border Management Project, funded by the Government of Japan. 14 staff from Fiji Airports, Air Terminal Services, Fiji Airways, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Ministry of Health and Medical Services shared their experiences and needs for effective coordination for border management.

The project aims to support border management agencies in Fiji, Palau and Vanuatu to strengthen their capacities and systems for inter-agency and cross-regional cooperation and collaboration in managing international travel and effectively implement the COVID-19 pandemic public health protocols.

Mr Isei Tudreu, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Airports, who leads the team of Fiji’s border agencies at Nadi International Airport, shared his experience in leading the pandemic response operation and his expectation of the project.

“Our response to COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic was a coordinated and joint effort from all stakeholders and border agencies at Nadi International Airport. There are continuing and new challenges and opportunities in implementing effective management at our airport operations.”

“This unique and exciting partnership with Japan and UNDP through the integrated border management project will allow us to upgrade our systems and enhance our customer experience and with our borders re-opened from 1 December 2021, will be key to Fiji’s economic recovery from the impact of the pandemic,” added Mr Tudreu.

The project team at UNDP was also invited to observe the processes at Nadi International Airport and had a chance to review the facilities and processes that were implemented for COVID-19 protocols. These processes allowed Fiji Airports to provide a safe travel experience for their passengers from the departure security procedures, transit pathway, to the arrival area, including the isolation room, information boards and other key facilities from efficiency, safety, gender and accessibility perspectives.

Rustam Pulatov, UNDP Project Manager presented key areas of support and approach that the project offers.

“The project will provide specialized technical support to strengthen the system and capacity of the border management agencies. It will be implemented with global standards-based, human rights-based and gender responsive approach to the integrated border management.”

“It will contribute to the improvement of efficacy and user-friendliness of the processes and procedures for incoming and outgoing passengers at the airports of the three Pacific countries,” said Mr Pulatov.

The resilient integrated Border Management Project is expanding partners of border management agencies, as well as working with civil society for monitoring transparent, accountable and effective implementation of border management in three countries.

For media queries, please contact:

Tomoko Kashiwazaki; Communications Officer, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji; tel.: +679 715 8051; email: tomoko.kashiwazaki@undp.org

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