The Immigration Division is a vital front line agent in
protecting our sovereign borders especially during this exceptional
circumstance of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strict safety protocols are
adamantly adhered to by all immigration officers.
In thoroughly reviewing documents for visa applications Nauru
Immigration have processed and issued 1135 numbers of visas to
foreign nationals. Business related visas make up for 85% of the
visa applications which is 961.
The Division has received commendations on the significant
improvement on reducing delays in visa issuance and swift action
for the processing of urgent visa requests from the Regional
Processing Centre and Australian Border Force during critical
situations.
Detailed screening of 1389 incoming and 1130 out going
passengers to and from Nauru has been conducted by verifying travel
related documents.
The Section facilitates constant review and audit of visa
statuses of foreign nationals in Nauru to ensure compliance with
visa regulations. In doing so:
- 36 number of visas have been rectified in a timely manner;
and
- 36 numbers of over stayers have been identified to which no
penalties were imposed as they are unable to travel back to their
countries of origin due to the pandemic. Instead their visa have
been converted to COVID Visas.
The restructure of the Division verified the reclassification of
positions to allow for promotion of officers who have served
at their posts for a very long time. This opens up vacancies at the
Division allowing for employment opportunities to any person
interested in working in the field of border control.
As front line agents during the pandemic, the Immigration
Division is constantly updating its protocols and procedures to
ensure that Nauru is protected from and prepared for the entry of
the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Immigration Division continues to perform its duties
diligently under its strict legal mandates provided for in the
Immigration Act 2014.
Our Team
| Position |
Name |
| Director of Immigration |
Rajeev Kheerthiyal |
| Assistant Director of Immigration |
Vacant |
| RPC Visa Manager |
Bronnia Detageouwa |
| Senior Immigration Officer |
Darlene Dabana |
| Visa & Immigration Officer |
Barry Deireragea
Elvin Bretchefed
Kane Tamakin
Whitney Botelanga |
| Immigration Officer |
Jaziel Jeremiah
Greg Garoa
Starington Dowabobo
Ideana Atto
Stanton Dame
Amuson Bernicke |
| Clerical Officer |
Vacant |
Objectives
- Protect Nauru's sovereign borders and its national
security
- Foster regular migration
Motivation
Keepint our borders safe.
Strategic Plan Priority Area 1 & 4:
Economic/ Cost Cutting Sectors
Cross-Goal 2
Strengthen Parliament, audit, justice, law, order and border
control.
Econ-Goal 6
Promote development of small-scale sustainable eco-tourism.
Achievements
Passport Scanning System
The Immigration Division has commenced rolling out the Passport
Scanning System. The protocols have successfully been integrated
into the border control procedures of the Division and is entering
its final stage of testing.
The passport scanners arrived earlier this year and the
immigration officers are being trained on how to use the
devices.
The passport scanning system will be a much faster process
compared to manual data entry. It will strengthen border control
security measures and enhance the efficacy of incoming and outgoing
passenger processes.
It is anticipated that the passport scanners will be in full use
by the Immigration Division by the end of June 2021.
Front liners of 'Capture and Contain'
As the first point of contact with arriving passengers in Nauru,
the Immigration Division officers are faced with enormous risks of
contracting COVID-19. Therefore, the officers are always vigilant
in carrying out their duties when processing incoming passengers by
ensuring that they are fully clothed in the standard required
protective garments. Essential training and briefings are
constantly conducted for the Immigration officers so that they are
not complacent in fulfilling their tasks and remain free of
COVID-19.
Way Forward
- One of the main challenges is the delay in implementing the
passport scanning system due to dependency o other stakeholders
like ICT and DCA; and passenger screening during COVID19 crisis and
ensuring safety of officers. Due to change in management in the ICT
Department in September 2019, the passport scanner implementation
project was delayed and the team took the initiative to closely
work with the ICT team to complete the project in terms of setting
up the required severs and network connection for the immigration
booths.
- The Immigration Division continues to make progress on making
immigration movement, maintaining the integrity of data and its
accessibility to relevant Government agencies such as the Nauru
Police Force as part of a coordinated approach to border security.
The officers of the Division are committed to providing better
quality services and ensuring border security.