The Employment Ministry of Fiji has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to establish a National Labour Mobility Policy Framework and Strategy. The agreement was signed by Maritino Nemani, the Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, and Solomon Kantha, the IOM Chief of Mission, in Suva on Friday.
Nemani emphasized that this signing represents an important step towards improving labour mobility and promoting sustainable development in Fiji. He stated, “The signing of the MOU demonstrates our commitment to collaborative efforts in tackling labour mobility challenges and opportunities.” The National Labour Mobility Policy and Strategy aims to create a systematic and sustainable framework that benefits both workers and the nation.
The initiative also aims to boost the skills and employability of Fijian workers, enhancing their competitiveness in the international job market while allowing foreign workers to explore employment opportunities in Fiji. Additionally, Nemani pointed out that the policy will prioritize the protection of workers’ rights and welfare, ensuring fair treatment and dignity for Fijians working abroad.
Kantha, the IOM Chief of Mission, noted that this MOU is vital for strengthening the partnership between IOM and the Ministry of Employment. He stated, “This MOU will allow IOM, through its collaboration with the Ministry, to provide technical assistance to protect migrant worker rights, carry out research, and improve capacities for analyzing comprehensive labour migration data. This partnership ultimately aims at poverty reduction, economic growth, and human development.”
IOM is currently collaborating with the Ministry on a project called Labour Mobility for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience in the Pacific, which is being financed by the Migration Partnership Trust Fund and implemented alongside the International Labour Organization (ILO) for a duration of 24 months. Kantha expressed his eagerness to work closely with the Ministry and reaffirmed IOM’s support to the Fijian government in achieving its national development goals through this MOU.