Human trafficking is a serious crime that exploits people through force, fraud or deception. The Ministry of Immigration works at Fiji's borders and through permit processing to detect it, and relies on the public to report what they see.
If someone is in immediate danger, contact the Fiji Police Force first.
Trafficking involves recruiting, transporting, harbouring or receiving a person by threat, force, deception or abuse of their vulnerability, for the purpose of exploiting them. Exploitation includes forced labour, sexual exploitation and servitude.
It is not the same as people smuggling. Smuggling is an arranged illegal border crossing, usually ending on arrival. Trafficking is about exploitation, and can happen without anyone crossing a border. A trafficked person may have entered Fiji lawfully, on a genuine visa or permit. Victims are not treated as offenders for having been trafficked.
No single sign proves trafficking, but several together are a reason to report. Someone may:
Include what you saw, where and when, and any names, vehicles or businesses involved. Do not confront the people you suspect or put yourself at risk. To report suspicious activity at sea, see Border Watch.
