Registrations for Fiji’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) work schemes will open tomorrow for select sectors facing skilled-labour shortages, according to Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh. He said about 20,000 applications remain pending across categories, and openings will focus on areas with clear shortages.
Specific sectors to be prioritized include age care, where about 300 positions are needed, and driving roles requiring a Group 5 or Group 9 license, with around 100 driver vacancies. There is also a target of about 100 halal meat workers. In addition, there are 300 referrals from approved employers, with the remaining backlog still to be addressed.
Backlogs will continue to be cleared as applications from 2022 are processed. Singh added that both PALM and RSE schemes are functioning well overall, with remittances from workers remaining strong. He noted progress in worker support, revealing that three country liaison officers have been appointed and a fourth is being placed in Australia to aid Fiji’s workers. Workers now have direct phone access to these officers, so they can raise any challenges quickly.
Regular visits are conducted to workers, employers, and trade unions, and Singh said there has been meaningful improvement in workers’ terms and conditions over the past two and a half years. The government emphasizes protecting workers’ rights while expanding opportunities abroad.
It’s worth noting that other updates from the National Employment Centre (NEC) place the backlog at a higher level—around 35,000 applications—reflecting ongoing processing pressures that have prompted suspensions in some periods. Officials stress the goal of resuming new registrations as soon as possible while safeguarding the integrity of the programs.
Commentary and analysis:
– The targeted reopening for shortage-driven sectors signals a pragmatic approach to fill critical roles in elder care, transportation, and meat processing, while continuing to manage a substantial backlog.
– The introduction of four liaison officers and proactive worker support points underscores a commitment to better service delivery and worker protection on the ground.
– The divergence between the specific figure cited in this briefing (about 20,000 pending) and other NEC updates (about 35,000 pending) suggests fluctuating milestones as the backlog is addressed; the core objective remains clearing existing applications and preventing future backlogs.
Overall, the move to reopen for prioritized sectors, combined with enhanced worker support and ongoing backlog management, offers a cautiously optimistic path for Fiji’s workers seeking opportunities abroad and for their families back home.
Summary: Fiji is selectively reopening PALM and RSE registrations to address urgent labour shortages while continuing to clear a substantial backlog. The new steps—targeted sectors, additional liaison officers, and improved worker support—aim to balance immediate employment needs with long-term program integrity.
Positive note:
– The expanded frontline support and the clearer focus on shortage areas provide real potential for more timely opportunities for Fijian workers, alongside stronger protections and better communication channels.
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