The Fiji National Provident Fund will transit into its new systems and processes at the end of this month.

FNPF chief executive Aisake Taito said this was a crucial part of the FNPF reform that involved the overhaul of its information technology (IT) system and the introduction of new processes that would improve service standards to customers.

Mr Taito announced that provisions and regulations related to the FNPF Decree 2011 that were postponed will now come into effect on November 1, 2014. This follows the publication of the Government of Fiji Gazette Supplement Legal Notice 62, signed by the Attorney-General, the Honourable Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

The transition into these new provisions and regulations will take place from October 28 to November 24, 2014.

Mr Taito said the implementation of the key provisions of the Decree would improve the retirement benefits of all members.

“The new provisions include strengthened enforcement and compliance intended to protect members’ interest through the timely payment of contributions owed to them. It also provides for co-operation between the Fund and employers to ensure members’ contributions are accurately posted to their accounts,” Mr Taito said.

“Members will also get to preserve more for retirement. This ties in with the core function of the FNPF, which is to secure members’ future for retirement.”

To ensure smooth transition, the Fund will provide limited services from October 28 to November 24, 2014

During the transition period, the Fund will only accept withdrawals on medical full withdrawal, funeral assistance, medical Assistance – local and overseas medical assistance, and special death benefit $2000 assistance.

The Fund will not accept applications for urban and village housing assistance, unemployment, education – local and overseas, migration, nominations, and all other services that may not have been listed in the paragraph above.

Members who need to withdraw under grounds listed above must do so by October 27, 2014.

Applications received on or before October 27 will now be processed under the current withdrawal guidelines.

“Applications received after November 1, 2014 will be subjected to the new laws that will come into effect then,” he said.

“FNPF will publicise the new withdrawal guidelines and eligibilities before November 1, 2014.”

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