Suva, Fiji –-- The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) notes with concern the recent comments by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka regarding some Fijian seasonal workers in Australia.

While we understand the concerns that may arise, FCOSS believes that a nuanced and empathetic approach is essential when discussing the experiences of our citizens participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

Characterizing workers as an "embarrassment" risks undermining their dignity and overlooks the systemic factors that compel many Fijians to seek opportunities abroad.

We respectfully urge the Prime Minister and his team to engage more deeply with the lived realities of our people. A critical resource for such understanding is the “Pilot Study on the Social Impact of Labour Mobility Schemes on Women and Families”, a case study of 29 villages in Tailevu conducted by the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs with the support of Balance of Power.

This study offers invaluable insights into the struggles and sacrifices of workers and their families, providing a more balanced and holistic awareness of the scheme's impact.

Many Fijians pursue overseas employment due to the absence of sufficient desirable opportunities domestically, a fundamental reality that must be acknowledged. It is crucial to remember that these workers, through their remittances, significantly contribute to Fiji's economy, deserving not just support but also recognition for their sacrifices and economic impact.

The challenges faced by workers, including alleged exploitation, mistreatment, and difficulties accessing entitlements, are well-documented by various sources.

FCOSS reiterates its urgent call for the Fiji Government to commission a comprehensive social impact assessment of the PALM scheme. Such an assessment is vital to understand the full scope of effects on workers, their families, and communities, including the concerning rise in child neglect and abuse linked to parental migration.

In previous years, the Samoa and Vanuatu Governments undertook investigations into allegations of exploitation and mistreatment of their workers on overseas labour schemes. Samoa temporarily halted recruitment into the schemes while conducting the review.

These initiatives underscore the political will and commitment of the two Pacific Island governments to the welfare of their workers and the safeguarding of citizens participating in these schemes. If Fiji has consistently ignored FCOSS request for a social impact assessment since 2023, what does that signal?

FCOSS will again, reiterate the following measures as urgent for the effectiveness of PALM and other overseas labour schemes:

1. The gap highlighted by the Prime Minister regarding worker conduct can be effectively addressed through thorough training and preparatory programs under the National Employment Centre (NEC). As recommended by the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) in November 2022, there is a critical need for greater preparation of our people engaging in migrant work schemes.. This comprehensive preparation should equip workers not only with job-specific skills but also with robust cultural orientation sessions, financial literacy, and awareness of their rights and responsibilities.

2. While the appointment of additional Country Liaison Officers (CLOs) as highlighted by the Minister for Employment, is a positive step, their effectiveness hinges on proactive engagement with workers, employers, and civil society organizations.

3. The government must prioritize creating employment opportunities within Fiji to reduce the pressure on citizens to seek work abroad under potentially vulnerable conditions. Fiji’s current labor mobility trends are contributing to domestic labor shortages in various industries. What is the government's retention strategy, if there is even one?

4. A collaborative approach involving government, civil society, churches, Australian Fijian diaspora communities and worker advocacy groups is essential to develop and implement sustainable solutions that protect our workers' rights and dignity.

The challenges within the PALM scheme are not solely attributable to individual worker behavior. They are often symptoms of broader economic pressures and systemic issues that require thoughtful, empathetic, and evidence-based policy responses from our leaders.

FCOSS stands ready to collaborate with the government and all stakeholders to ensure the welfare and dignity of all Fijian seasonal workers.

Issued by:
Sepesa Rasili
National President

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