A former prison inmate, Mitieli Roko, is advocating for government assistance to help him and others with criminal records secure job opportunities. Living in Cunningham Rd, Stage 1, Roko revealed to The Fiji Times that after serving time in prison around ten years ago, he has struggled to find employment, even in places where he previously worked.
Despite earning two trade scholarships and graduating with several certificates in tiling, floor planning, waterproofing, and electrical work in 2022, Roko finds it challenging to gain acceptance in the workforce due to his criminal history. He expressed his frustration at the ongoing stigma faced by ex-convicts, stating, “I’m not just speaking for me; I am speaking for my brothers and sisters facing the same thing.”
Roko also mentioned his experience of being terminated from a position under the Yellow Ribbon program because of his past conviction, illustrating the harsh reality many ex-inmates face when trying to reintegrate into society. He noted a recent disappointment with Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto’s announcement regarding work permit applications, which he perceives as unfair treatment toward him and others in similar situations.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu commented on the possibility of expunging criminal records, stating that ex-convicts who have served their time over ten years may apply for a rehabilitation order. This process requires evidence of no further offenses.
This issue aligns with a broader context shared in previous reports about the challenges faced by many Fijians with criminal records, who are often blacklisted from labor mobility programs. In a 2023 statement, Maritino Nemani, the Permanent Secretary of the Employment Ministry, identified that 2,183 individuals in Fiji were excluded from job networking opportunities due to adverse police records. He emphasized the need for reconsideration of existing systems to provide individuals with second chances.
Roko’s efforts highlight the critical need for systemic changes to ensure that reintegration programs adequately support former inmates and allow them to contribute positively to society. A reformed labor mobility system could not only help ex-convicts but also stimulate economic growth and bring hope to families relying on these second chances.
The call for government support reflects a growing awareness of the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, which could ultimately lead to a more inclusive society.
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