Fiji research permit

The permit is for non-Fijian citizens aged 18 or over whose proposed research has been approved by the minister responsible for education and other relevant ministries, and who have sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependants while in Fiji. Applicants must be medically fit to carry out research and have no adverse police record. Overstayers and people convicted in a foreign country, covered by section 13(2)(a) and (e) of the Immigration Act 2003, cannot apply, nor can people who do not hold a valid permit or visa.

For researchers from visa-exempt countries, short research tasks may fall under the 14-day provision or the 12-week authority on a visitor permit; longer projects need this permit.

The primary applicant submits a certified copy of the passport bio page, two certified passport photos, a request letter, a medical report from within the last three months, a police report from the country of citizenship or residence for applicants over 18, approval from the institution or organisation supporting the research, approval from relevant government ministries such as the Ministry of Education and, if the research involves visiting local communities, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, a sponsor letter from the person or organisation funding the research, locally or overseas, and a copy of a confirmed return ticket.

The base fee is FJD 650.05, with online service fees of 2% for M-Paisa or 2.5% for Mastercard. All permit applications are lodged online through the IMMI HUB portal and paid online by M-PAiSA, Visa or Mastercard, with service fees of 2% (M-PAiSA) or 2.5% (Mastercard) charged by the providers. Documents that need an English translation must be translated and notarised in the applicant's country of residence; certification is by a notary public, commissioner of oaths or lawyer, or attestation by the foreign ministry of the issuing country. Progress is tracked in the portal, and the ministry answers enquiries only after 30 working days for permits and 21 working days for visas.

The research permit is given piece by piece: the total duration is 18 months, but approval is given for up to six months at a time. If more time is needed within the 18 months, the researcher applies for an extension and submits a copy of the progress report. A first application must be lodged from outside Fiji.

A foreigner or company whose permit application is refused by the Permanent Secretary may appeal in writing to the Minister responsible for immigration under Part 8, section 58 of the Immigration Act 2003, within 21 days of the decision. The appeal letter, addressed to the Director of Immigration, sets out the grounds and contact details and attaches the passport copy and refusal letter; the fee table lists an appeal fee of FJ$929.00.