A couple participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme has realized their dream of building a home in Nukubuco Settlement, Suva, reflecting the positive outcomes of hard work and dedication. Alumita Tagilala and her husband, Vuniani Wakaya, who has been working in Australia for nearly three years, were recently acknowledged by the Ministry for Employment for their achievements during their time in the labor mobility program.
In their journey, they invested approximately $45,000 in constructing their new home. Tagilala shared that their aspirations included owning a home and a car, and they are now witnessing their efforts come to fruition. They purchased their land for $9,000, which included an older house that they chose to demolish to build their new home.
Tagilala reflected on the challenges faced by other workers under the PALM scheme, many of whom return home with little to no savings. She emphasized the importance of focus and teamwork, as her husband regularly communicates their goal of sustainable financial success while he works abroad.
Director of the National Employment Centre, Lui Mario, praised the couple’s accomplishments as emblematic of the potential benefits of the PALM scheme, despite its inherent challenges. He noted Wakaya’s ability to provide for his family, asserting that dedication leads to significant improvements in livelihoods.
This couple’s story is part of a broader narrative supporting families involved in the PALM program, which has recently made headlines for initiatives that aim to reunite families and provide better access to education and healthcare for dependents. As noted in related developments, the new Family Accompaniment Visa program, which allows families to join Fijian workers in Australia, reflects the growing recognition of the importance of family stability for workers abroad. It highlights the reciprocal benefits for the workers’ families and the Australian labor market, suggesting a promising path forward for those engaged in this labor mobility scheme.
With dedicated efforts and support from programs such as PALM, there is hope for many families to achieve their dreams of improved living conditions and economic stability, fostering stronger familial bonds and community ties across nations.
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