Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence member Ritesh Sharma has underscored the importance of enhancing awareness among tertiary students regarding their responsibilities under the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS) amidst recent confusions surrounding travel clearance procedures. During a committee session with representatives from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), Sharma pointed out that many students are still unfamiliar with their obligations, which include securing travel approval before departing from Fiji.
Sharma expressed concern about the lack of clarity, suggesting that the transition of government and policy changes has left students confused, sometimes causing them to miss flights due to unclear processes. He highlighted the case of students who, unaware of the need to consult immigration, FRCS, or TELS for travel clearance, find themselves stranded at airports.
In response, FRCS Chief Executive Udit Singh clarified that the responsibility for managing the financial loan aspect of TELS has fully reverted to the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS). This shift is intended to alleviate some of the earlier complications caused by the dual management system that previously involved both FRCS and TSLS, which often led to confusion and delays.
Director of Taxation, Momina Beg, elaborated on the improvement by explaining that the travel clearance process has now been streamlined. Students can access a kiosk and complete the clearance process online, which is intended to simplify their experience. Beg mentioned that under the new system, students will benefit from a one-stop service for bond and travel clearance, vastly improving both efficiency and understanding.
Amid these developments, committee members noted the critical need for clearer communication to ensure students are fully aware of their bond agreements, which legally restrict them from traveling without obtaining prior approval.
This renewed focus on awareness and process improvement reflects a commendable commitment from educational authorities to better support students, aiming to prevent issues that impede their academic journeys. Initiatives like the streamlined online clearance system and the introduction of kiosks signify positive progress toward a more informed and prepared student body, indicating a hopeful outlook for future interactions between students and governmental services.