The government is encouraging greater participation from traditional communities, known as vanua, in preparing individuals for overseas employment through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Maritino Nemani, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Employment, stressed the importance of a collaborative effort that encompasses families, communities, and government initiatives. He stated, “We need to involve the families, we need to involve the vanua.”
Mr. Nemani pointed out the necessity of engaging village residents, as many potential workers originate from rural areas. He mentioned that the registration forms for those seeking employment overseas now require families to disclose the number of children they have. This initiative aims to better understand the family responsibilities of workers and the effects of their absence on their loved ones.
Additionally, Mr. Nemani indicated that the Fijian government has acknowledged the need for enhanced pre-departure training for these workers. He revealed that the duration of this training has been increased from four days to two weeks, ensuring a more thorough preparation before they leave for jobs abroad.