The Fijian government is actively reviewing the Employment Relations Act to enhance protections for foreign and migrant workers, particularly seafarers. During a recent Parliament session, Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh emphasized that this initiative is part of broader policy reviews aimed at continuous improvement in the labor sector.
Singh mentioned that the revisions to the Employment Relations Act will enable labor inspectors to conduct workplace inspections during operational hours, addressing the issues related to breaches in occupational health and safety (OHS) that commonly occur during night shifts. This proactive measure aims to foster safer working environments.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Immigration is reviewing the Immigration Act to optimize the work permit system, ensuring fair recruitment practices and employment opportunities for foreign workers. The cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) aims to lead to the establishment of Fiji’s National Labour Mobility Policy and Strategy, which seeks to create a comprehensive and future-oriented framework for the welfare and protection of migrant workers.
This November, the Ministry of Immigration has initiated a series of high-level discussions focusing on National Migration Governance. These meetings began with a workshop on the Global Compact for Migration, followed by a Technical Working Group dedicated to validating Fiji’s new Migration Policy and Action Plan. Singh noted that such meetings are pivotal in translating policy intentions into enforceable national strategies, further asserting that the reviews of the Employment Relations Act and the National Labour Mobility Policy are interlinked efforts designed to improve working conditions for all.
The emphasis on comprehensive reviews and collaborative efforts signifies a commitment towards creating a fairer and safer work environment for migrant workers in Fiji, offering hope for improved labor standards and protections in the nation.
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