The Employment Ministry of Fiji has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Organisation for Migration to develop the Fiji National Labour Mobility Policy Framework and Strategy. The agreement was signed in Suva on Friday by Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Maritino Nemani, and IOM Chief of Mission, Solomon Kantha.
Nemani emphasized that this signing is a pivotal moment in enhancing labour mobility and promoting sustainable development within the country. He stated, “The signing of the MOU demonstrates our commitment to cooperative efforts in tackling labour mobility challenges and seizing opportunities.”
The objective of Fiji’s National Labour Mobility Policy and Strategy is to establish a structured and sustainable approach to labour mobility that benefits both workers and the nation. The policy will also aim to improve the skills and employability of Fijian workers, ensuring they are competitive in the global job market while simultaneously allowing foreign workers to find opportunities in Fiji.
Furthermore, Nemani highlighted that the policy is designed to protect workers’ rights and welfare, ensuring fair and dignified treatment in host countries. Kantha, the IOM Chief of Mission, noted that the MOU is significant for strengthening the partnership between the IOM and the Employment Ministry.
“This MOU will enable the IOM to provide technical support through our collaboration with the Ministry, focusing on the protection of migrant worker rights, conducting essential research, and enhancing the capacity to analyze comprehensive labour migration data. The overarching goal is to support poverty reduction, economic growth, and human development,” Kantha explained.
He also mentioned that the IOM is already collaborating with the Ministry on the project, Labour Mobility for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience in the Pacific, which is funded by the Migration Partnership Trust Fund and being implemented in conjunction with the ILO over the next 24 months. Kantha expressed optimism about working closely with the Ministry and reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to supporting the Fijian government in achieving its development goals through this agreement.