People gather in large numbers outside Suvavou House to get their copy of free birth certificate

People have gathered in large numbers outside Suvavou House as they aim to take advantage of the Government’s initiative of giving a free copy of their birth certificate.

Fijivillage witnessed the long line of people this morning and Police were also present at the scene to ensure that COVID safe measures are being followed.

It was announced in the budget that effective for the next 12 months starting from the 1st of August, Government will be paying the cost to obtain a birth certificate.

Furthermore, it was announced parents registering the birth of their child can have a copy of the child’s birth certificate provided to them at no cost.

It was also announced that for the next 12 months effective from 1st August, all Fijians can obtain a copy of a death certificate of their immediate family members without paying any fees.

In a public notice, the Registrar General, Neel Singh says only 1 copy of the birth certificate will be issued without cost per person and only 1 copy of the death certificate will be issued without cost.

Singh says a valid photo ID of the person requesting for their birth certificate needs to be provided for verification purposes.

He says all requests to re-print another person’s ( including close family members) birth certificates will require a letter of authority and valid photo ID from the person(s) whose birth certificate is required.

Singh adds for death certificates, a letter of authority is required from the next of kin or executor/trustee under the probate jurisdiction or administrator under the letter of administration.