Fijian nationals transiting through New Zealand will soon no longer have to have a transit visa, the Government has announced.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has met with his Fijian counterpart, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, as part of his trip to the Pacific where he announced the change.
"This is a tangible demonstration of New Zealand's commitment to Fiji, and the value we place on our bilateral relationship," Luxon said.
"Many Fijian nationals travel through New Zealand to reach other destinations in the Pacific and around the world – we expect this will have a positive economic impact for the region."
The change, set to come into effect in the coming months, will mean that Fijian nationals will be able to transit New Zealand with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), similar to many other Pacific countries.
Fiji nationals intending to visit, study, or work in New Zealand will still need to apply for the appropriate visa.
The two prime ministers have also set a goal of lifting two-way trade to $2 billion by 2030. It currently sits at $1.4 billion.
Luxon also announced funding for several other initiatives in Fiji through New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation programme:
- A further NZ$3.6 million to Fiji's Climate Relocation of Communities Trust Fund
- Funding of NZ$572,000 for an upgrade to the High-Temperature Forced Air (HTFA) Facility at Nadi International Airport alongside Australia, to help Fijian horticultural exporters meet New Zealand's strict biosecurity requirements
- NZ$15.3 million for a New Zealand Plant and Food Research-led programme to support farmers in five Pacific countries, including Fiji, to adapt to the impacts of climate change on production
- NZ$7.5 million for the Government of Fiji's economic reform programme, which is focused on improving fiscal management and sustainability, and economic resilience.
Newshub.
