Former inmates in Fiji face significant challenges in reintegrating into society due to lingering criminal records, which can hinder their ability to find employment and travel, despite having gone through rehabilitation. Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga emphasized that the current system poses obstacles for those striving to rebuild their lives.
Turaga noted that immigration checks and police records continue to expose past offenses, making it difficult for individuals to move forward. He pointed out that even when inmates receive a certificate of rehabilitation after ten years, they are still unable to travel internationally.
A proposed solution lies in the Criminal Records Bill, which is currently under consultation. According to Turaga, the bill aims to alleviate these issues by allowing for the expungement of certain minor offenses after specified periods—four, six, or ten years—depending on the nature of the offense. If enacted, the bill would enable former inmates to seek employment and travel freely once their records are cleared.
Turaga stressed the importance of ensuring that rehabilitation translates into tangible opportunities for individuals looking to reintegrate. He expressed concern that without legislative changes, former inmates would continue to face consequences long after they have completed their sentences, essentially being punished indefinitely.
The initiative reflects a growing understanding of the need for a supportive framework to help reintegrate former inmates into society, allowing them to contribute positively and reduce recidivism. By tackling the barriers created by outdated policies, there is hope for a more inclusive approach to rehabilitation and second chances in Fiji.