Appalling visa application processing in Fiji

Tourists from over 100 countries need not obtain visas prior to visiting FIJI. On arrival visas are granted to those visitors; they can remain for four months. As Fiji is much closer to Australia and New Zealand, the majority of tourists are from those countries. Australia contributes 56 % while New Zealand’s share is 24%. Only about 5% are from European countries.

While we were in New Zealand, my wife and I applied for an online visa to visit FIJI for four days. Certified copies of all relevant documents were forwarded along with visa fees. Further we were compelled to purchase air travel tickets and to reserve hotel accommodation and documents were to be attached to support the applications. Visa forms are very simple and only two (A4 size) pages. (Important information is to be given in 3/4 of the first page.)

Although the guidelines announced by Fiji Immigration state that visa applications will be processed within 14 days, there was no response from the visa office except for the automatic reference numbers assigned to our applications. After three weeks we tried several times to contact this godforsaken office. After several attempts we were able to speak to one Yogendra Kumar, but he was not polite even to take down the application numbers; he didn’t give any clear answer but kept silent. After a month I sent an email to the Director Fiji Immigration, followed by two subsequent emails regarding this undue delay. By this time, we came to know that Immigration takes about three months to process visa applications. The officer was silent when questioned if that information was correct.

After 45 days we received an email indicating that our visa applications have been refused (not rejected) by the said visa officer; no reasons were given. When asked for clarification, the same day email stated that “applicants have been deemed non-genuine visitors”. (When applications were submitted, I clearly declared that I was a retired senior public servant and the purpose of our visit to Fiji. I really don’t know what mechanism the Immigration uses to check/scan the genuineness of all those visitors who arrive at the airport without obtaining a visa prior to entering Fiji.)

I brought this injustice to the notice of the Secretary to the Prime Minister and the Director Immigration Fiji. But there was no response from them. This is the bureaucracy prevailing in that country.

I have proved my genuineness to Sri Lanka where I served for 32 years in SLAS and to many other countries we visited (Some countries several times.)

I am not concerned about refusal of visas; but I repent on the amount we paid to purchase air tickets. Airlines don’t make refunds.

I am not sure whether this should be generalised to be applicable to all Polynesian countries. Sri Lankans should be very careful if they intend to visit these countries.

N. H. Perera