The Fiji Higher Education Commission (HEC) has highlighted significant concerns regarding the lack of legislation overseeing student recruitment agencies. This regulatory gap has placed many Fijian students studying abroad at risk concerning their welfare and safety. During an appearance before the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights, HEC director Dr. Eci Naisele emphasized the troubling situation where overseas institutions recruit Fijian students through local agents without any formal agreements or safeguards in place.
Dr. Naisele noted that these overseas institutions come to Fiji, identify agents, and establish connections with them without a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). As a result, students often travel abroad without proper assurances related to their welfare, accommodation, or educational conditions. “The sad thing, when they reach there, is the agent doesn’t have any agreement with the universities for the welfare of our students,” he stated. This lack of oversight has led to numerous complaints from students regarding inadequate facilities and living conditions.
Additionally, HEC compliance and monitoring officer Neha Prasad raised wider concerns regarding the commission’s enforcement powers within the current legal framework. While the commission is responsible for regulatory oversight and accreditation, it relies on external agencies such as the police and courts to take action against non-compliant institutions, which can result in significant delays. She pointed out that institutions violating accreditation standards could continue to operate without immediate intervention, suggesting that the commission should be granted powers to initiate legal proceedings independently.
Furthermore, Prasad discussed the increasing significance of micro-qualifications, which currently fall outside existing legislation. She argued for the recognition of micro-qualifications within the Fiji Qualifications Framework and advocated for their inclusion under HEC’s regulatory authority to ensure consistent quality assurance.
The call for more robust regulations reflects the HEC’s commitment to safeguarding Fijian students and ensuring that those who study abroad receive the necessary support and protection. With the potential for legislative changes, there is hope for improving the educational landscape for Fijian students in the future.
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