Fiji’s overseas missions in poor condition, committee told

Fiji's overseas diplomatic properties are in "really poor condition", a parliamentary committee was told.

The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence heard complaints about the deteriorating state of several Fiji missions during a submission on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 annual reports.

Opposition Member of Parliament and Deputy Committee Chairperson Rinesh Sharma raised concerns about the physical state of Fiji's diplomatic properties abroad.

"I've been informed that some of the state of these missions are in really poor conditions," Mr Sharma said during Tuesday's hearing.

He asked how Fiji managed to retain staff and maintain office resources amid rising costs and geopolitical tensions that affect property values.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director Finance Luke Ravusoni acknowledged the challenges, citing ongoing difficulties in upgrading government-owned properties in New Zealand, Australia, London and Brussels.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been going through a lot of difficulties in terms of upgrading the properties through the wear and tear, and also particularly in terms of funding," Mr Ravusoni said.

He confirmed renovations were currently underway at Fiji House in London, with work completed last year on the second secretary's residence - the first full renovation of that property.

The Government has allocated $1.5 million for phased refurbishment of the London chancery over two years, with an additional $469,000 budgeted for temporary office rental during the work.

In the 2025-2026 National Budget, Fiji has allocated approximately $51 million for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, of which $4.7 million is for purchasing and refurbishing overseas properties.

During the renovations, the London chancery has been closed and relocated to temporary offices.

The committee also heard that five Fiji missions were closed between 2019 and 2021 - Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Washington, Brussels and Port Moresby - following Cabinet decisions linked to COVID-19 budget control measures.

The ministry currently operates 10 overseas missions plus a Roving Ambassadors Division at headquarters.

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