The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) has raised alarms over serious allegations concerning the treatment of 26 Bangladeshi migrant workers employed at a supermarket in Fiji’s Central Division. The workers, who have lodged complaints, reported severe violations including non-compliance with employment contracts, lack of food, denial of medical care, physical abuse, and threats of retaliation against those who attempt to report these conditions.
According to the complaints, many workers have not received their wages for an extended period, resulting in food deprivation and an inability to send remittances back to their families in Bangladesh. The FHRADC noted that some of these workers paid as much as $12,000 to recruitment agents, often through loans they struggle to repay, further compounding their distress.
In a proactive response, the Commission has urged the employer to provide immediate food rations and other essential items necessary for the well-being of the affected workers. FHRADC stressed the employer’s legal and ethical responsibility to care for migrant workers, which includes providing adequate food, shelter, and healthcare, while ensuring their mental and physical health is protected.
The plight of these workers has raised significant concerns, as some have reported psychological distress, with mentions of self-harm due to the traumatic circumstances and overwhelming debt. Furthermore, intimidation from the employer reportedly threatened workers not to disclose their situation to authorities.
The FHRADC is currently in discussions with the Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations, as well as the Minister for Immigration, with a meeting scheduled to address potential interventions. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his concern after visiting the workers earlier this month, directing relevant ministers to undertake an investigation.
This incident follows similar concerns highlighted in previous reports involving Bangladeshi workers across various sectors in Fiji. Such reports reflect systemic issues regarding migrant worker rights, particularly their vulnerability to exploitation. For instance, past cases have shown that many Bangladeshi workers in sectors like construction have faced deplorable living conditions, leading to calls for reform in labor practices and protections.
The government’s engagement in these matters demonstrates a commitment to improving labor rights, with hopes that insights from these cases will catalyze meaningful changes for the treatment of migrant workers throughout Fiji. By fostering a safer and fairer work environment, there is collective optimism that the human rights of all workers, domestic and foreign, can be safeguarded.
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