Government has reviewed visa arrangements for business visitors holding passports from all 105 visa-exempt countries.

They will be able to enter Fiji without prior application and work in Fiji for up to 14 days effective from November 15, 2023.

This is to boost business investments and trade in Fiji.Currently, this privilege is limited only to citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the U.S, and Singapore.

Minister for Immigration Pio Tikoduadua, said in order for Fiji’s private sector to be business-ready, the Immigration Department has re-engineered several of its processes, including visa and permit conditions.

“Fiji continues to lose valuable skills through permanent and temporary migration. As a result, Fiji businesses require greater access to the skills of foreign nationals to ensure uninterrupted managerial, technical, and other support. This includes short visits by skilled foreign nationals, generally not exceeding 14 days,” Mr Tikoduadua said.

“For some years, this has been an unnecessarily complicated process, delaying the arrival of critically needed services and adding to the workload of the Immigration Department.

“Starting from November 15, 2023, citizens of all 105 visa-exempt countries entering Fiji for business purposes will receive business visitor permits upon arrival.”

In accordance with Section 9(3) of the Immigration Act 2003, they are permitted to engage in business, investment, study, research, or consultancy work for up to 14 days.

Those who need to extend their stay for these purposes will need to apply for short-term work permits as they currently do.

To clarify, and in line with the existing policy, individuals visiting Fiji for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, workshops, or training are not considered business visitors and can continue to do so with an ordinary visitor’s permit, as they do now.

Mr Tikoduadua said this simple measure would eliminate the need for the Immigration Department to approve the short-term business travel needs of hundreds of visitors every year.

“It also ensures that Government is working in accordance with the Immigration Act,” Mr Tikoduadua said.

“The department is working closely with experts and private sector stakeholders to make quick improvements in rules and services to expedite its operations.

Fijian passports. Photo: Josua Buredua

“This is the first of several improvements to be announced, with more to be implemented in the coming months.”

Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Brent Hill has welcomed this decision.

“Any sort of policy like this should be applauded, and I think Fiji has the real opportunity where the money gets spent here. From our perspective, the reform in this space is welcome,” Mr Hill said.

“The real upside is for Fiji because only something positive can come out of it. This is good for Fiji’s economy because they are not taking anything away from Fiji, as the money often stays in Fiji. It is a real advantage.”

He said it was something they would be promoting.

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