The recent incidents involving Fijians allegedly involved in illegal activities in Australia have been confirmed to be unrelated to those participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh made this clarification, emphasizing that none of the individuals associated with drug-related offenses or other illegal actions traveled under the PALM program.
Singh acknowledged that some Fijian workers abroad may have lost contact with their families, but reassured that the Ministry is actively working with country leaders and local officers to locate these individuals. “There are those others who may have been able to work elsewhere and have not been in touch with their families. We have our country leaders and officers who are trying to assist them, locate them and reconnect them to their families,” he noted.
Despite the concerning incidents, Singh pointed out that these cases account for only a small fraction of the thousands of Fijians successfully working overseas. The minister expressed appreciation for the vast majority of these workers, who continue to represent Fiji positively while providing support to their families and communities back home. The commitment to ensuring their welfare highlights the ongoing dedication to the Fijian diaspora.
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