The Minister for Immigration, Hon. Viliame Naupoto, is attending the Second Asia-Pacific Regional Review of the Implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) in Bangkok from 4–6 February 2025, bringing together counterparts and key stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Minister Naupoto was elected Chair of the 3-day meeting of the Second Asia-Pacific Regional Review and was also a panellist on a High-Level Panel on Regular Pathways for Migration, underscoring the importance of safe and structured migration opportunities within the region.
Discussions are focused on migration challenges, best practices, and emerging issues, ensuring that migration remains safe, orderly, and beneficial for all. In his opening remarks, Minister Naupoto emphasised the critical task ahead in reviewing the implementation of the UN Global Compact on Migration (GCM) in alignment with the 2030 Agenda, contributing to the forthcoming International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) in 2026.
On the margin of the regional deliberations, Hon. Naupoto held a bilateral meeting with ESCAP’s Executive Secretary, Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, to discuss shared priorities and Fiji’s ongoing partnership with ESCAP in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He expressed appreciation for ESCAP’s contributions to Fiji and the region and explored potential collaboration in strengthening Fiji’s migration management frameworks through technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives, particularly in response to increased regional migration due to economic and labour mobility trends.
Minister Naupoto also met with Ms. Catalina Devandas, the Representative of the Director General of IOM and Senior Director for Partnerships, Advocacy, and Communication, to discuss enhancing Fiji-International Organisation for Migration (IOM) collaboration.
He acknowledged IOM’s expertise and global footprint and Fiji’s continued benefit from IOM-led capacity-building initiatives in border management, migration policy development, and diaspora engagement. Fiji recognises IOM as a key partner in migration governance, border security, and the protection of vulnerable communities.
Minister Naupoto is accompanied at the Bangkok meeting by Acting Director of Immigration, Ms. Taraivini Savou, Manager Policy & Planning, Ms. Rasieli Rabukawaqa, and Counsellor Solomone Momoivalu from the Fiji Embassy in Jakarta.