The certification of copies of birth certificates by the Justice of Peace has been put to a halt by the Justice Ministry.

Permanent Secretary Pio Tikoduadua said this step is necessary to curb unnecessary trouble and inconveniences in respect of producing appropriate identity and such measures taken will minimize the risk of falsification.

He said there have been numerous cases of misinformation, forged documentation and people with malicious intent have created unnecessary trouble which is a grave concern to the Ministry.

Tikoduadua said that the Ministry is now strictly prohibiting the certification of birth certificates and as a result all original birth certificates or extracts are now available through all Post Fiji outlets.