2 Nov 2009

Large number of discrepancies found following audit of Fiji's Passport services

10:49 am on 2 November 2009

A large number of discrepancies have been found following an audit of Fiji's Passport Services under the Immigration Department.

Radio Fiji reports the audit, conducted by the Public Accounts Committee found the department didn't have an effective and secure process in issuing passports.

It says the findings show the existing system contained several loopholes, indicating an insecure and ineffective process of issuing passports.

In addition the audit revealed the department lacked a strategic plan and the passport section didn't have a work plan.

It also noted failures to assess and manage potential risks in the processing of passports, staff shortages, lack of staff training and the absence of effective and efficient reporting.

Overall the report revealed the existing procedure for processing passports and strategies to manage the service efficiently and effectively were deficient in a lot of areas.