publication: Fiji Government

New Requirements For Change Of Name Now In Effect

The elimination of fees to apply for a change of name under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration (Amendment) Act 2021, are now in effect. Any person wishing to change their name or adopt additional names simply has to apply for a change of name with Births, Deaths & Marriages.

You will not be required to pay any fees, nor submit a Deed Poll. The application also does not require the person to provide any justification or reasons for the new name. There are no limitations on how many times a person can change their name. If you change your name you must only use the birth certificate with the new name on it and cannot use your previous birth certificate.

For new passports, please be advised that if you need to change name or add name(s) you must register with Births Deaths and Marriages and obtain an amended birth certificate with the new name on it. You must present the birth certificate with the name you wish to have on your passport.

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF CHANGE OF NAME

To apply for a birth certificate, please click here.

Hon. Senator Zed Sesalja, Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific;

H.E. John Feakes, Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji;

Mr Warwick Pleass, President of Fiji-Australia Business Council;

Ms Allison Haworth-West, President of Australia-Fiji Business Council;

Mr Saud Minam, Vice-President of Fiji-Australia Business Council;

Members of the Fiji-Australia and Australia-Fiji Business Councils;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Bula Vinaka and a very good evening to you all – it is a pleasure to speak to you at this evening’s meeting.

Fiji and Australia share a strong and enduring relationship, demonstrated by the signing of the ‘Vuvale Partnership’ in 2019. ‘Vuvale’ of course means family – and it reflects the depth, breadth and warmth of our relationship and paves the way for deeper business, trade and economic links.

Our close people-to-people contacts have resulted in extensive business ties between Australia and Fiji – with over 3,000 Aussie companies doing business in Fiji and 61,000 Fijians now living and working in Australia.
Fiji is also one of the top tourism destinations for Australians, with over 367,000 Australians visiting Fiji back in 2019 – and we look forward to welcoming Aussies back to our shores in December.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Australia remains one of Fiji’s largest trade and investment partners. Total Australian investment in Fiji is valued at approximately $2.07 billion in 2019, focusing on tourism, the financial sector and manufacturing. Two-way goods and services trade has also been steadily increasing year-on-year, totaling $2.47 billion in 2019.

Australia is Fiji’s second largest export destination, accounting for 12.9% of all Fijian exports and valued at over $280 million. Primary exports include gold and garments, but we have also seen an increased demand for Fijian agricultural and cosmetic products, with total exports increasing year-on-year.

You can now see more Fijian products coming into the mainstream retail market in Australia. If you visit Amazon Australia you will also see a range of beauty and skin care products from brands such Loloma, Pure Fiji, Naturally Fiji and Nama Fiji. And if you go to your local Cole’s supermarket or Chemist Warehouse you will now see Fiji Kava’s range of sleep, mind and body supplements.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The export of kava remains a substantial earner for Fiji, raking in around $43.6 million in 2020. Kava has diversified into products such as flavoured kava beverage, ready to drink mix, capsules, micronized kava and also kava fit for pharmaceutical and complementary medicine.

During the Forum Trade Ministers Meeting this year, Australia has confirmed the launch of the commercial kava pilot programme by the end of 2021. This will provide an important boost to the Fijian Kava industry and help meet the growing demand for kava, especially by the Fijian diaspora.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Growing international demand for near-shore outsourcing services presents opportunities in Fiji as the regional outsourcing hub. Fiji’s renowned culture of hospitality and resourcefulness, combined with its strategic location as the Hub and world class internet connectivity, means that it is well positioned to deliver exceptional value for clients.
Our best resource is our dynamic human capital. Fiji has a young, multicultural, vibrant and well-educated workforce – with 50% of our population under the age of 27 and a literacy rate of 96%.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Although a sharp decline in economic activities due to COVID-19 pandemic, this presented us with opportunities to rethink and re-align strategies.

The recent 2021/22 budget provides numerous regulatory changes, low and competitive tax regime, and introduction of attractive tax incentive packages across a number of sectors, with a focus on economic diversification, making Fiji a more viable environment for doing business.

There are various duty exemptions and tax holidays available for investments in:

● agro-processing,
● recycling sector,
● manufacturing of pharmaceutical products,
● new projects relating to construction of new hotels and integrated tourism development sites, and,
● infrastructure that supports the BPO sector, such as contact and data centres.

There are also major incentives for investment in ICT enabling infrastructure and services, such as ICT cable landing and associated infrastructure, accredited training institutions and ICT start-ups and a 200% tax deduction on the development or upgrade of online shopping websites with integrated payment platforms.

Fiji has reduced duty on around 2,000 customs tariff-line items unilaterally, with duty exemptions for investment in green energy and technology. There will be more incentives and concessions for environmental goods and services following the conclusion of negotiations on the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

An effective health response has enabled us secure a sustainable foundation for our economic recovery. Thanks to our key partners like Australia – over 96% of our target population have had their first dose to date and we have achieved our target of 80% of fully vaccinated adults in Fiji on 9 October 2021 — 3 weeks ahead of schedule.

The pace and penetration of the vaccine rollout has presented the best route towards fewer restrictions, recommencement of business operation with COVID-Safe protocols, and the return of international tourists.
In addition to vaccination, a nationwide adherence to COVID-Safe Protocols by Fijians has ensured that Fiji was able to successfully contain the spread of the virus. Hence, this success has led Fiji to reopen its international borders.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On 10 October 2021, the Hon Prime Minister announced the list of over 20 Travel Partner countries, which includes our key markets of Australia and New Zealand. As of 1 December 2021, the Fijian borders will reopen to these Travel

Partner countries for “quarantine-free” travel.

In order for any traveller to qualify for “quarantine-free” travel, they must be fully vaccinated, must have stayed in one of the Travel Partner countries for at least 10 days.
For Australian planning to visit Fiji, we encourage you to do so. You will no longer be confined to your hotel room. You will be able to move around all Care Fiji Commitment (CFC) certified or approved properties, excursions, and tours.

And this is what you need to do:

● Pre-book accommodation at a CFC certified hotel or resort.
● Provide a negative RT-PCR COVID test result (3 days prior to departure).
● Provide proof of being fully vaccinated.
● Must download careFiji app and keep device bluetooth activated at all times.
● Take a Rapid Diagnostic Test at least after 48 hours of being in Fiji.
● Follow all the COVID safe protocols and procedures.

Preparations are well underway for Fiji’s borders to reopen and for international travel to resume with Fiji Airways, Qantas and Virgin all announcing direct flights from Australia to Fiji.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Indeed, there has never been a more opportune time to take advantage of the numerous business opportunities in Fiji.

Fiji sits in the heart of the Pacific, with strong shipping and air connectivity coupled with modern ICT infrastructure, makes Fiji a logical choice for doing business.

We have set the stage. We are providing the best incentives and business environment. What we need is this “Vuvale” partnership to come into action. We need Australian businesses and investors to see Fiji as their first choice for doing business. And we stand ready to facilitate and ensure that you will have a smooth transition into Fiji commerce.

With these few words I would like to thank you for the opportunity and look forward to discussing enhanced levels of cooperation with you all.

Vinaka Vakalevu and thank you.

ADVISORY: FIJI REMOVES REMAINING COVID-19 RELATED BORDER HEALTH MEASURES – INCLUDING PROOF OF VACCINATION

14 February 2023: Effective today, 14 February 2023, international travellers to Fiji will no longer be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and travel insurance.
This move comes following careful consideration of the global and national COVID-19 situation by the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce (CRMT) and applies to both arrivals from air and sea.
Previously, all travellers 16 years and above were required to produce proof of full vaccination and travel insurance covering COVID-19.
As reported by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Fiji’s hospitalisation is low, owed to our community-wide immunisation and in-country surveillance capacity. Notably, the focus remains on implementing COVID safe measures around those vulnerable to the severe effects of COVID-19.
The MHMS also reports 100 percent of Fiji’s estimated adult population have received one dose and 95 percent received the second dose. The vaccination of our target population has been progressing well with the 12 years and above coverage rate for Fiji being 99 percent for Dose 1 and 89 percent for Dose 2. Furthermore, as of the 8 February, 170,867 (54.6%) booster-eligible individuals have so far received their 3rd dose while 29,208 individuals have been administered the 4th dose.
Therefore, consistent with the experience in other countries with high vaccination rates, Fiji will no longer have any COVID-19 related border health measures.
Fiji’s Border Authorities will continue to review border health measures and maintain community surveillance for early warning of future threats while fostering socio-economic recovery.
Fiji’s economic recovery continues on the back of a strong tourism rebound. In 2022, visitor arrivals to Fiji reached 71.1 percent of 2019 levels (636,312) with a strong forecast for the first quarter of 2022.
Ends.

FIJI E-PASSPORTS LAUNCHED IN AUSTRALIA

The launch of the new e-passport enrolment kit at Fiji’s Consulate General and Trade Commission Office in Sydney on Friday was part of the Fijian Government’s overall vision of improving passport issuance and also strengthening border security.

 

You can see full coverage of the event here.

VUVALE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN FIJI AND AUSTRALIA SIGNED.

Prime Minister Honourable Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama was accorded a guard of honour and 21-gun salute while arriving at Parliament House in Canberra, this morning.

After inspecting the guard of honour, Prime Minister Bainimarama was escorted by his Australian counterpart Prime Minister Scott Morrison into the House where he signed the visitor’s book and also met some school children.

Following this, the two leaders met behind closed doors to talk about pressing issues ahead of an official bilateral meeting.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Bainimarama said he was focused on advancing the era of respect and openness that should continue to define the engagements between Fiji and Australia.

Prime Minister Morrison, in his statement, said that despite the differences of opinions, he was adamant to work closely with his Fijian counterpart, Prime Minister Bainimarama.

“We have a long-standing relationship and nothing can come between us. Australia is ready to assist Fiji in any way,” Prime Minister Morrison said.

Discussions on the agreement of the Vuvale Partnership started when Prime Minister Morrison visited Fiji early this year. The partnership tables out certain pressing issues that Fiji and Australia can assist each other on.

Ends.

 

See full gallery here.

Prime Minister Honourable Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama last night urged members of the Fijian community in Sydney to consider investing in their home country and be part of an increasingly dynamic and diversifying Fijian economy.

While addressing the Fijian Diaspora at Sydney’s Holiday Inn in Warwick Farm, Prime Minister Bainimarama said it “means a great deal to me, and every Fijian, that you remain so invested in the success of our country – a country that will always be home for you”.

“Our cities are modernising, services are becoming more available and reliable, our networks of infrastructure and consumer choices are expanding, businesses are growing bigger, and higher paying jobs are being made available,” he said.

“Young Fijians are stepping into an economy where their most ambitious dreams can become a reality, and they are making themselves heard in a democracy where their rights cannot be infringed and their voices cannot be silenced.

“For years, I’ve urged our Fijian diaspora to take up their role in the great story of Fijian progress to build industries through the ingenuity of the Fijian people and to capitalise on the growth of increasingly dynamic and diversifying economy.”

With the introduction of the new digitalFiji programme, Prime Minister Bainimarama added that applying for new businesses by any Fijian in any part of the world has undeniably been made easier.

“Under the digitalFiji umbrella, we’ve already launched an online “biz Fiji” portal. The portal gives you all the information you need, to turn a bright idea into a brand-new Fijian business.

“Our latest national budget identified key areas for growth, giving businesses every reason to expand into new arenas and grow their existing operations.

“Stamp duty on offshore borrowings has been eliminated, Fiji Airways is upgrading its fleet to consolidate its position, and open new markets and also expand import and export cargo capacities, zero fiscal and excise duty on building materials for new hotels, and the marketing grant to Tourism Fiji standing strong at $30 million.

“Our incentive package for ICTs no longer carries any minimum requirements, and the licensing fee has been removed entirely, loss carried forward has been extended from four to eight years for all businesses and 100 per cent of employer contributions to FNPF are now tax-deductible, among other initiatives.”

The Prime Minister also dispelled rumours of Fiji’s financial capacity and reassured the Fijian Diaspora that our economy is viable and healthy as never before.

“Our country is not what it was fifteen years ago. We’re capitalising on our prime geographic position, transforming our nation into a funnel for investment and technology,” he said.

“We’re supporting businesses to allow for cashless transactions and utilise e-payment gateways to step into the world of digital commerce. For those who are considering reclaiming your Fijian citizenship, we’ve just received our new Fijian e-passports last week. As you know, under my Government, we now allow for Fijians to hold multiple citizenships.

“The benefits of that offer are now bigger than ever, as these new e-passports allow for seamless, efficient travel in the world’s airports and immigration systems for our people, while strengthening the security of our own borders as well.

“You may all be settled in Sydney, but your Fijian pride beats as strongly in your hearts as it does in the hearts of Fijians across our islands today.”

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister and his delegation will meet Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at a church service tomorrow morning.

Ends.

 

See full gallery here.

“THE launch of new e-Passports will bring about benefits to all our citizens, both at home at those travelling abroad, as they will consolidate security requirements at our own borders and ease travel at ports of entry around the globe.”

This was highlighted by Hon. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while launching the new e-Passports in Suva this morning.

PM Bainimarama said Fiji is taking the next step to a sweeping digital government transformation that will touch all corners of Fijian society, securing our borders, uplifting our economy and bettering the lives of our people along the way.

“When it comes to immigration, we have some exciting developments in the months ahead that will expedite work processes for visa approvals and forever make our immigration policies more secure, fair, and accountable.”

“I have applied the same spirit of progress to the Department of Immigration that has guided all of my government’s visionary leadership –– an open embrace of bold change.”

The e-Passports contain a new range of security features that will make it much more difficult for people to enter the country illegally, establishing a more secure Fijian passport, bringing greater integrity to our immigration system.

The transformation was spearheaded by digitalFIJI and is being undertaken in partnership with Singapore Cooperation Enterprise, a hugely ambitious programme which has already achieved a burst of advancements prior to today’s e-Passport roll out.

 

See full gallery here.

 

Local and foreign businesses can now enjoy streamlined processes of setting up their businesses in Fiji through the new bizFiji portal, launched by the Fijian Government.

Officiating at the event, Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the new portal creates the right environment for existing businesses and attract new businesses.

“The portal will also ensure that Government provides the opportunity for new entrepreneurs to not just focus on job creations but also for those that can become job creators themselves and this will suit the youths of this country.”

bizFIJI enables users to be better informed on the services and processes for applying for either “Starting a Business” or Obtaining Construction Permits”, at a centralised platform, which is accessible from both mobile devices and desktop computers.

To download application forms, necessary submission requirements and the relevant agencies involved together with the contact information for the respective agencies please visit www.bizfiji.com

 

 

Bula,

For ALL Fiji Passport related enquiries and applications, please contact the Fiji Consulate General Office on 02-99000700 or email on [email protected] before lodging the applications online, by mail or in person.