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Wellington, February 8, 2020
The Fiji High Commission in Wellington has commenced processing of e-passports applications following the installation of the new e-passport enrolment kit.
The new technology enables the Mission staff to record biometric data of Fijians who travelled from Christchurch, Auckland, Napier and Hastings since its installation.
New Zealand is the second Fijian diplomatic mission to receive the e-passport enrolment kit, supplied by the Department of Immigration of the Fijian government in Suva.
Benefits of digital strategy
Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Filimone Waqabaca said that the new system would help Fijians enjoy the benefits of the Bainimarama Government’s Digital Strategy.
“We are really happy that the new e-passports have a whole range of security features that help Fijians in New Zealand travel easier and make the passport more secure. It is great for our staff in Wellington to have a more integrated approach with the Department of Immigration with everything online now,” he said.
“We average about ten clients a day. We have been putting out the word through our community leaders and our mailing lists and we expect to get even more busier as more Fijians from all over New Zealand realise they no longer have to travel back to Fiji to get their passports done, “ he added.
The Mission staff have been quick to adapt to the new technology that has greatly enhanced their work. This is part of the Fijian Government’s digital transformation that ensures secure borders and socio-economic progress for all Fijians, Mr Waqabaca said.
He thanked the Immigration Department for also considering their request for a mobile enrolment kit to be used in community outreach events in cities like Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch that has a significant Fijian presence.
