The Government will implement Fiji's Diaspora Policy in the new financial year to strengthen engagement with Fijians living overseas, improve consular services and encourage investment and skills exchange, following a $56.6 million allocation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade in the 2026/2027 National Budget.
Speaking in support of the 2026-2027 National Budget, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua says the policy recognises that Fijians living, working and studying abroad remain an important part of the country's national development.
The Assistant Minister says through the development and implementation of the Diaspora Policy, the Government will foster stronger connections with overseas communities, improve consular and outreach services, encourage knowledge and skills exchange, and create greater opportunities for diaspora investment and partnerships.
She says by harnessing the expertise, networks and contributions of Fijians abroad, Fiji can further advance its economic, social and national development objectives, adding that the Ministry will begin work on the policy's implementation plan during the upcoming financial year.
The Assistant Minister also says the Ministry has been allocated $6.3 million to operationalise Fiji's new diplomatic mission in Jerusalem and reopen Fiji's Embassy in Brussels, expanding the country's diplomatic reach and strengthening key international partnerships.
Qereqeretabua further says strengthening bilateral cooperation will remain a priority, with the Ministry focusing in the new financial year on enhancing international cooperation and technical assistance around HIV/AIDS and drugs to support the agencies responsible for addressing those issues.
She says every dollar allocated to the Ministry will be linked to measurable outcomes, with overseas missions assessed on their ability to secure foreign development assistance, open new export markets for Fijian products, improve investor visa processing and provide streamlined consular services to Fijians living overseas.
