The Ministry of Employment has reaffirmed that Fiji’s labour laws apply equally to all workers — foreign and local — stressing there is no discrimination in how standards are enforced.
Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh made the comments amid concerns that some foreign workers are vulnerable to human trafficking and mistreatment while working overseas or in Fiji. He said the ministry is actively reviewing the terms and conditions offered to foreign workers and working closely with the Ministry of Immigration on work permits and related conditions.
“Our laws apply to everyone. If there is any breach, the various sections of our Ministry address those,” Singh said, noting inspectors regularly visit worker accommodations and job sites to ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety rules and other labour standards. He added that the ministry receives reports of breaches and responds promptly, identifying and taking action against employers found in violation on the spot.
The ministry’s approach builds on wider efforts to protect migrant workers. Since 2021, officials have received 165 labour complaints from migrant workers; 159 of those cases have been resolved, with a small number pending or under investigation. The government has also recovered unpaid wages for migrant workers and is reviewing legislation to extend protections — including consideration of gaps affecting seafarers — and to strengthen the work-permit process.
Solomon Kantha, IOM Chief of Mission, underscored the importance of government and organizational collaboration to keep all workers safe both at home and abroad. The ministry is also developing a national labour mobility policy framework in partnership with the IOM and has increased outreach and workplace inspections for schemes such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) programme.
Practical steps already underway or proposed:
– Routine workplace and accommodation inspections and rapid response to reported breaches.
– Coordination with Immigration on work permits and contract conditions for incoming workers.
– Legislative reviews to extend coverage for migrant workers, and improvements to the work-permit system.
– Development of a national labour mobility policy with IOM support and the appointment of country liaison officers for overseas placements.
– Verification efforts to ensure worker qualifications are authentic and to reduce mismatches between skills and employer expectations.
Commentary and suggested next steps
– Strengthen pre-departure orientation for outbound workers and clearer reporting channels for those abroad to report abuse or exploitation.
– Require stronger vetting and accountability measures for recruitment agents and clearer contractual standards enforced before departure.
– Expand bilateral engagement with labour-sending countries to improve skills matching and verification of certifications.
– Increase public reporting on inspection outcomes and recovered wages to build worker and public confidence.
Summary
The Ministry of Employment is emphasizing equal protection under labour law for all workers, stepping up inspections and case responses, and pursuing legislative and policy reforms with international partners to reduce vulnerability to exploitation. The combined focus on enforcement, policy reform and international cooperation aims to provide safer, fairer conditions for migrant and foreign workers — a positive direction that, if sustained, should reduce abuse and improve outcomes for workers and employers alike.
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