Ministry of Immigration looking to open office in Nakasi

To cater for the demand in their Suva office, the Ministry of Immigration is looking at opening an office in Nakasi.

Minister for Immigration, Viliame Naupoto stated this to the media outside Parliament, saying this is to cater for those coming in from Tailevu, especially the Suva-Nausori corridor.

He says once that is open, it will ease the strain on their Suva office, but they are not moving to Nakasi this year or the next but soon.

When questioned on passport shortages, Naupoto says there is no shortage as 35,000 passports are coming next Monday with maybe another 35,000 in December.

Naupoto says they have already signed a contract and ordered another 100,000 passports for next year to last until the budget in July.

He also addressed the issue on booking for appointments online which is backed up till later next year because they do not have room in their Suva office.

The Minister says when they were working on the backlog they allowed people to walk in from 4pm to 8pm.