LocationsICT Equipment Boost for Fiji Immigration
May 12, 2023
First Secretary with the Embassy of Japan to the Republic of Fiji, Yamada Yosuke with Fiji Immigration Director, Amelia Komaisavai.
Suva, Fiji - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji has made a further delivery of digital border management equipment to Fiji’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration.
Today, in the presence of representatives from the Embassy of Japan to the Republic of Fiji, the Immigration Department received digital scanners and power supply devices worth of approx. FJD $110,000. This equipment will advance the department's digitalization efforts through the enhancement of border management services at airports and ports across the country.
The delivery was made possible through UNDP's Integrated Border Management Project, which aims to support relevant agencies in Fiji, Palau and Vanuatu in reinforcing their capacities, capabilities and systems for effective and efficient movement of travelers and cargo, and to strengthen links for data and knowledge sharing, inter-agency and cross-regional cooperation.
For Fiji, which relies on tourism as a key economic pillar, safety and security at its borders remains paramount in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the supply of this digital equipment, Fiji Immigration will be better placed to collect incoming passenger details and to easily share this data with other key government agencies.
Fiji’s Immigration Department received digital scanners and power supply devices worth of approx. FJD $110,000
Director of Immigration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, Amelia Komaisavai, said the delivery would greatly support the Ministry in their efforts to go digital.
Director of Immigration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, Amelia Komaisavai, said the delivery would greatly support the Ministry in their efforts to go digital.
“Digitization will help improve the accuracy and completeness of border management data by reducing errors that can occur with manual data entry. This equipment will help our officials make better-informed decisions based on reliable data and for there to be greater collaboration between all agencies working within the management of Fiji’s borders,” she said.
First Secretary with the Embassy of Japan to the Republic of Fiji, Yamada Yosuke, said modernizing existing systems was a key area of focus under the project.
“The Government of Japan supports free and robust economic activity throughout the region, and the modernization of systems and ways of working falls in line with this. The equipment handed over today will ultimately reduce processing and waiting times for travelers, as well as help border officials manage the flow of people and goods more effectively,” Mr. Yamada said.
Effective Governance Team Leader Officer-in-Charge with UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, Rustam Pulatov added, “By automating border management processes, we can enhance collaboration between key actors in Fiji and promote greater efficiency in responding to security threats and health trends. This state-of-the-art technology will enable Fiji to maintain open borders while ensuring the safety of its people and the success of its economy.”
The Integrated Border Management Project is supported by the Government of Japan, with UNDP working alongside key partners the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
For further media enquiries please contact:
Nick Turner, Communications and Advocacy Specialist, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji. (P) +679 971 6458 - (E) nicholas.turner@undp.org
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