New Criminal Records Law Gives Thousands of Fijians a Second Chance

Thousands of Fijians burdened by minor criminal records from the COVID-19 period could soon regain access to employment and overseas opportunities following the unanimous passing of the Criminal Records Bill 2025 in Parliament.

The legislation, welcomed by the People’s Alliance Party, is being described as a compassionate and practical reform aimed at helping ordinary citizens rebuild their lives after the hardships of the pandemic years.

In a statement, Party General Secretary Sila Balawa said many Fijians were left struggling to secure jobs or obtain clean police clearances because of relatively minor offences committed during the COVID-19 restrictions period, including curfew and lockdown breaches.

Mr Balawa said the new law reflects the principles of fairness, restorative justice and compassion.

“During the difficult years of the COVID-19 pandemic, many ordinary citizens made mistakes under extraordinary circumstances,” he said.

“For thousands of our people, minor offences such as curfew breaches or lockdown violations became barriers to employment, overseas opportunities and providing for their families.”

He said the legislation acknowledges that one mistake should not define a person for life and provides deserving individuals with a pathway to move forward with dignity.

The Party said many young people who previously faced difficulties obtaining police clearances would now have renewed hope of accessing employment opportunities locally and abroad, including through labour mobility schemes in Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Balawa described the Bill as an example of “people-centred leadership” focused on addressing real struggles faced by ordinary citizens.

“This is about giving hardworking Fijians a genuine second chance,” he said.

The Criminal Records Bill 2025 was passed unanimously in Parliament.

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