The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Employment, Maritino Nemani, has highlighted growing recognition from Australia and New Zealand regarding the challenges faced by workers participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Nemani emphasized the need for collaboration among various stakeholders to enhance the conditions and support for these workers.
He stated, “We are not addressing the issues surrounding PALM scheme workers in isolation.” He noted that Fiji is actively partnering with organizations like UNICEF and engaging with other labor-signing nations, such as Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, to find better solutions to shared challenges.
Nemani also stressed the importance of establishing a sustainable system that benefits not only the workers but also their families who remain at home. He pointed out the critical role that receiving countries such as Australia and New Zealand play in creating effective solutions to these issues, as they are the ones welcoming these workers.