As Parliament has officially approved the appointment of Dr. Tiffa Baio as the new Chief Immigration Officer, there has been a palpable sense of renewed energy and hope surrounding the rehabilitation of the immigration department, a vital institution that has unfortunately lost much of its glory, public trust, and reputation over recent years. Dr. Baio’s confirmation comes at a crucial time when there is an urgent need for reform within the department to restore confidence among citizens regarding immigration policies and practices.
During his interview with the parliamentary Committee responsible for vetting presidential appointees, Dr. Baio articulated his ambitious vision for the future of the immigration department. He emphasized the necessity of rebranding the institution, which has been mired in challenges and criticism. To begin this transformative process, Dr. Baio proposed a comprehensive review of the Immigration Act of 1965. He argued that updating this foundational legal framework to provide the department with greater autonomy is essential. Such autonomy would not only empower the immigration department to operate more effectively but also enhance its ability to achieve unique and meaningful results that benefit both the government and the citizens it serves.
Following the interview, Dr. Baio granted an in-depth media interview, where he elaborated on his plans for rejuvenating the immigration sector. He expressed a strong commitment to decentralising the passport production process, making it more accessible to individuals living in rural areas. This initiative aims to ensure that citizens, regardless of their geographic location, have affordable and convenient access to what is fundamentally their right, a citizenship document. By enabling passport production in various districts, Dr. Baio believes this approach will significantly reduce the long queues and overwhelming influx of applicants at the headquarters office, ultimately leading to a more streamlined and user-friendly process.
While Dr. Baio acknowledged the numerous challenges that lie ahead in implementing these ambitious plans, he remained optimistic about the potential for success. He assured the public that, with the cooperation and support of Parliament, pertinent institutions and the supplier of the passport, he is confident that he can accomplish the necessary reforms and improvements within a six-month timeframe. His resolve and strategic vision have instilled a renewed sense of hope among stakeholders that the immigration department can once again become an institution of integrity and trust, dedicated to serving the needs of all citizens.
