The newly launched NEC Local Employment Registration System in Fiji aims to bridge the gaps in labor market information and facilitate connections between job seekers and employers. The announcement came during a launch event in Suva led by the Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh, alongside the CEO of the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation, Edward Bernard.
Bernard emphasized the significance of the online platform, noting how it will enable unemployed individuals and those seeking jobs to register easily. One of the pressing issues within Fiji’s labor market has been the absence of updated information on job seekers, and this new registration system is poised to provide real-time insights into the number of people available for work, along with their qualifications and experiences.
With this system in place, employers will have direct access to a database from which they can select candidates for available positions, effectively aiding in the industry’s workforce absorption. Minister Singh outlined that the initiative is part of the ministry’s broader digital strategy, which is aligned with their strategic plan’s focus on digitalization through technological advancements.
Plans to enhance the platform are already in motion, including the potential introduction of an employer-facing portal. This addition would allow companies to post job vacancies and communicate directly with applicants, improving the overall recruitment process. Singh stressed the system’s capability to assist in better workforce planning, highlighting the importance of analyzing registration data to identify skills gaps in the local labor market.
This approach opens avenues for targeted interventions, such as connecting applicants with appropriate skills and experiences to potential job opportunities, or guiding those interested in reskilling toward Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions. Furthermore, Singh noted that the registration system is not only intended to streamline employment placements but also aims to foster productivity growth and long-term workforce development.
Additionally, Singh reiterated the government’s regulations on hiring foreign workers, stating that employers must demonstrate an inability to find suitably qualified local candidates before seeking workers from overseas. The current framework mandates local advertising of job vacancies before any approval to recruit from outside Fiji is granted.
In summary, the NEC Local Employment Registration System represents a significant step toward enhancing employment opportunities in Fiji, fostering a more informed labor market, and ultimately supporting economic growth through skilled workforce development.
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