A total of 78 Fijian families have settled in Australia through the Family Accompaniment Visa, which aims to reduce the adverse social effects of family separation under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. This initiative was announced by Jan Hutton, First Assistant Secretary at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who oversees labor mobility and educational support in the Pacific.
Ms. Hutton expressed her satisfaction with the program’s success, noting that all families enrolled in Australia’s Medicare system, with children attending local schools and parents finding jobs. She highlighted a positive response from schools, citing a principal’s letter commending the contributions these families have made to the local culture.
While Fiji is actively participating in this pilot program, other Pacific nations under the PALM scheme have chosen not to join yet. Hutton anticipates that about 100 families will eventually migrate to Australia under this initiative, which will be monitored for effectiveness. Reintegration efforts for families staying behind in Fiji are also a priority to ensure they can utilize the skills learned abroad effectively.
This program follows previous reports emphasizing the need for Fijian workers’ families to reunite. For instance, a similar article discussed how families would benefit from free schooling and employment opportunities stemming from their ability to migrate under the PALM scheme. The initiative represents a significant step toward strengthening family ties and enhancing the quality of life for those involved.
This pioneering program bodes well for both the Fijian diaspora and local communities in Australia, reinforcing the importance of family unity and the potential for long-term success as these families adapt to their new environment.
Leave a comment