The Fijian government has announced a robust strategy to curb its growing illegal immigrant population, which has doubled in the past year to over 8,000.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted the alarming increase during a parliamentary session, stating that the number of overstayers had risen from 4,709 in January 2023 to more than 8,000.
Speaking to Fiji One News, Rabuka detailed the measures being implemented to address the issue. “The Fiji intelligence department has enhanced border management capabilities, with an intelligence and assessment structure that coordinates information proactively,” he said.
The government’s strategy aims to identify irregular migration movements and strengthen border security. Rabuka acknowledged past shortcomings, suggesting a shift towards a more proactive approach.
“Perhaps we should take a more proactive role with our investigators and our police actually asking people on the street for ID, if they look suspicious,” he said, according to fijivillage.com.
Ninety percent of offenders are reportedly Pacific Islanders who overstayed after arriving to study.