Fiji opens registrations for PALM and RSE with emphasis on prioritising unemployed locals
The Fiji Pacific Labour Mobility schemes PALM and the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer program opened registrations today, as policy makers and industry groups weigh how to balance overseas opportunities with domestic labour needs. The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) cautions that the country still faces a labour shortage and urges policies that strengthen the local job market first.
FCEF chief executive Edward Bernard told reporters that the government should prioritise Fiji’s local labour market by developing targeted strategies and training programmes to support sustainable business and economic growth. He welcomed the rule that registrations will be limited to those who are unemployed or lack income, but warned that there have been instances where workers resigned or left jobs simply to join overseas schemes. He urged thorough checks to ensure the overseas opportunities go to those who genuinely need them.
New data from the Employment and Unemployment Survey (2023-24) shows 18,073 people are unemployed. Bernard said this group should be the focus of domestic job creation initiatives before expanding overseas labour mobility. The latest survey also highlights the nation’s overall unemployment rate at 5.40%, down from 5.50%, and a youth unemployment rate of 18.3%. He argued that the ongoing imbalance—where local vacancies remain unfilled while foreign workers are brought in—raises questions about the long-term developmental impact of overseas schemes and calls for strengthening local training and recruitment efforts.
Bernard urged the Ministry of Employment to conduct due diligence by cross-checking applications with institutions such as the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) and the Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (FRCS) to verify that registrants are truly unemployed before departing for overseas work.
On the government side, Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh announced that registrations will be open only to the unemployed and that employment status will be verified with the FNPF as part of the process. The aim is to ensure that overseas opportunities go to those in genuine need and to maintain the integrity of PALM and RSE.
What this means for Fiji
– The targeted approach could help channel overseas work to those most in need, while reinforcing domestic training and apprenticeship pathways to reduce long-term reliance on foreign labour.
– Stakeholders emphasise the importance of transparency, robust verification, and meaningful reintegration support to maximize positive outcomes for workers and their families.
– There is a broader push for data-driven labour-market reforms and closer collaboration among government, employers, and educational institutions to align training with real-world needs.
Additional perspective
– Experts and industry voices argue that strengthening local job creation, upgrading skills through targeted training, and expanding reintegration services will improve long-term resilience and reduce distortions in the labour market.
– Maintaining public confidence will hinge on clear communication about backlog management, timely processing of applications, and continuous evaluation of how overseas schemes affect domestic employment.
Summary
The government’s decision to reopen PALM and RSE registrations with a priority on the unemployed reflects a cautious, demand-driven approach that couples overseas opportunities with stronger domestic training and verification. If paired with ongoing domestic reforms, this strategy could support rural and urban workers alike while safeguarding the integrity of Fiji’s labour mobility programs.
Commentary
The situation underscores the need for a holistic plan: boost local job creation and skills development, ensure transparent and fair selection for overseas postings, and provide robust pre-departure and reintegration support so families benefit from savings and skills acquired abroad. A clear, data-informed pathway that ties overseas opportunities to measurable domestic outcomes could help Fiji balance immediate employment needs with long-term economic resilience.
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