Women returning from international employment are receiving crucial support through carefully structured reintegration programs, amid rising concerns regarding their transition back into fulfilling work. Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, outlined a two-phase strategy in response to inquiries about the existing systems designed to assist returning workers, encompassing pre-departure preparation and post-return support.
Singh emphasized that all workers participating in overseas labor mobility initiatives, including the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and seasonal work programs in New Zealand, receive essential pre-departure training. This training integrates financial literacy components, where workers are strongly encouraged to save diligently while employed abroad.
He highlighted the importance of sending home only what is necessary to maintain their families while advising workers to use their earnings to build long-term savings. “We often ask them how much they were earning when they were working here in Fiji and whether they were able to sustain the family,” he said, urging them to send back a similar amount or slightly more while overseas.
Upon their return, the Ministry implements reintegration programs that assist workers in investing their savings wisely, launching businesses, and enhancing their families’ livelihoods. Singh mentioned that returning workers can additionally access support through various government initiatives, including programs focused on small and medium enterprise (SME) assistance, which provide both training and financial backing for business development.
There are numerous reported success stories, with many returning workers constructing homes, acquiring vehicles, and establishing businesses, such as fishing ventures equipped with boats and engines fueled by their overseas earnings.
However, Singh also addressed troubling reports regarding some Fijians in Australia allegedly engaged in drug-related and other illegal activities. He clarified that these individuals did not participate in the farm work schemes governed by his Ministry. Acknowledging the occasional loss of communication between workers and their families abroad, he noted that efforts by country leaders and officials are underway to locate and reconnect these individuals. “I must say that this is a very small percentage of the overall number of workers that we have out there,” he assured.
These comments come amid a broader national discourse concerning the long-term social and economic ramifications of overseas labor mobility, particularly for women returning with acquired skills but facing hurdles in reintegration. There is hope that with adequate support and robust programs, the transition for these women can lead to thriving futures back home.
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