Thirty-year-old Monika Adimaikama, along with her one-month-old daughter, Rose Maria Waqamate, is filled with joy and emotion as they prepare for a transformative journey. Monika’s excitement stems from the end of her nail-biting wait to join her husband, Dermot, who works in New South Wales, Australia.
Monika represents one of 106 families participating in Fiji’s inaugural Family Accompaniment Visa program, an initiative enabled by the Australian government’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. This program aims to reunite families with their loved ones already working in Australia, reflecting a compassionate effort to bridge the gap caused by lengthy separations.
The journey to this reunion was not straightforward for Monika. She initially held a tourist visa but was informed by her husband’s HR department that she needed to return to Fiji and await the approval of a partner visa before reuniting. Despite this challenging period apart, Monika remains hopeful, looking forward to supporting her family in Fiji while raising her daughter in Australia.
Grateful for the opportunity, Monika expressed her heartfelt thanks to the Australian Government, emphasizing the importance of keeping families together. “I’m so thankful my child will have both parents in her life,” she stated.
This initiative not only allows families to be reunited but also comes with the promise of a brighter future for these young families. Many of them hope to build better lives and contribute back to their communities in Fiji, showcasing resilience and the power of family ties.
The joy and appreciation shared by Monika and her fellow families signifies a hopeful new beginning, reinforcing the idea that love and togetherness can overcome obstacles and create lasting connections across borders.
Leave a comment