The Ministry of Employment has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to develop the Fiji National Labour Mobility Policy Framework and Strategy. The agreement was signed in Suva on Friday by Maritino Nemani, Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, and Solomon Kantha, Chief of Mission at IOM.
Nemani remarked that this signing represents a significant step toward improving labour mobility and promoting sustainable development in Fiji. He stated, “The signing of the MOU demonstrates our commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges and opportunities of labour mobility.”
The aim of the National Labour Mobility Policy and Strategy is to establish a systematic and sustainable framework that benefits both workers and the nation. It will also focus on enhancing the skills and employability of Fijian workers, positioning them competitively in the international job market, while also offering opportunities for foreign workers in Fiji.
Nemani emphasized that the policy will work towards ensuring the protection of workers’ rights and welfare, making sure that they are treated fairly and with respect in their host countries.
Kantha underlined the importance of this MOU for strengthening the collaboration between IOM and the Ministry of Employment. He stated, “This MOU will facilitate IOM’s role in providing technical assistance to uphold migrant worker rights, conduct research, enhance capacities in labor migration data collection and analysis, support anti-trafficking efforts, and overall contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth.”
IOM is already collaborating with the Ministry on the “Labour Mobility for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience in the Pacific” project, funded by the Migration Partnership Trust Fund. This initiative is set to run for 24 months in conjunction with the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Kantha expressed eagerness to work closely with the Ministry and reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to supporting the Government of Fiji in achieving its national development goals through this partnership.