Misleading recruitment agents have been a growing concern for the Fijian government, according to Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh. He highlighted that there have been several complaints regarding agents who provide false information to workers seeking employment in Fiji.
Singh pointed out that some of these unscrupulous agents are misleading prospective workers by promising them job opportunities in Australia after their time in Fiji. He noted that these agents often fail to convey accurate information about Fiji itself, leading many to mistakenly believe that Fiji is part of Australia.
When questioned about whether any companies involved in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme had halted the hiring of Fijians due to issues like domestic violence, Singh stated that he was not aware of any such instances. He reassured that all companies engaged in the PALM scheme continue to employ Fijians.
Since the inception of the PALM scheme in November 2025, over 5,165 Fijians have participated, marking a significant opportunity for workers to earn an income abroad while contributing to the Fijian economy.
Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring that workers are not misled, which could impact their livelihoods and Fiji’s reputation as a destination for foreign labor. The ongoing efforts to crack down on fraudulent recruitment practices reflect a commitment to protecting workers’ rights and promoting a transparent employment process in Fiji.
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