The Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) and the Immigration Department are preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in verifying the qualifications of expatriates entering Fiji.
A delegation from the Immigration Department, led by Acting Director Mrs. Taraivini Savou, along with Senior Officers Ms. Varanisese Monika (Policy) and Ms. Rosinimaleya Vulivakarua (Permits), was warmly received by HECF Chair Mr. Steve Chand and senior officials at the Commission today ( Wednesday – 12/02/25).
Mrs. Savou highlighted the importance of the MoU, noting that the Immigration Department has long faced challenges due to the lack of expertise in assessing the qualifications of expatriates.
HECF Chair Mr. Steve Chand expressed his support for the partnership, explaining that the Commission has received numerous complaints in recent years regarding the quality of some expatriates hired by local higher education institutions. He stated that the collaboration will help raise standards in the expatriate hiring process, especially in the education sector.
The MoU will also involve the Ministry of Employment, which will be responsible for vetting expatriate employment contracts. Under the agreement, HECF will focus on verifying academic qualifications, while the Ministry of Employment will ensure the validity of employment contracts.
Further discussions are anticipated before the final MoU is signed, paving the way for more streamlined and effective procedures for the recruitment of expatriates in Fiji.
