COVID-19 global outbreak will have some impact on our performance - FNPF

The Fiji National Provident Fund says the COVID-19 global outbreak will have some impact on its performance but it’s too early to put that into exact numbers as the scenarios are still evolving.

FNPF Chief Executive Officer, Jaoji Koroi emphasizes that FNPF is a long term investor and is liaising closely with its subsidiaries and other relevant Government agencies and is also monitoring the international situation.

Koroi says with a focus on prevention and business continuity, the Fiji National Provident Fund will be implementing new processes in response to the threat of COVID-19.

He says they will activate response plans that will ensure that it continues to provide critical services to its members and stakeholders.

Koroi adds that effective immediately, Renewal Certificates due for March and April, will not be required to be submitted for pension payments.

This means that Pensioners do not need to go to FNPF to fill in their renewal certificates from the 16th of March until the 28th of April.

Koro says the World Health Organisation has identified older adults as one of the high-risk groups and given that this includes pensioners, they have decided to waive this process to minimise physical contact.

FNPF will also be conducting simulation tests next week for the online submission and offsite processing of funeral applications.

Koroi says FNPF members submitting applications for funeral assistance on Thursday 19th March, will need to submit online so they can test the end-to-end process, from the submission of the application, processing, and payment.

He says they apologise in advance for any delayed service however it is critical that the Fund tests all these processes to ensure FNPF is ready to operate under any adverse circumstances.

Koroi stressed that like other organisations and countries, the Fund is going through a business cycle and will address these challenges accordingly.

FNPF is encouraging members to log in to the Fund’s digital platforms to enable them to access and monitor their accounts minimising the need to visit FNPF offices.