The government has successfully recovered more than $54,000 in unpaid wages for migrant workers. During a parliamentary session, Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh reported that since 2021, a total of 165 labor complaints have been filed by migrant workers. Of these complaints, 159 have been resolved, while four cases are still pending with the Employment Relations Tribunal and two are currently under investigation.
Singh noted that the migrant workers are employed in various sectors: 46 in wholesale and retail, 121 in construction, nine in the informal economy, seven in manufacturing, and two in the hospitality industry. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that all workers in Fiji, including foreign laborers, are treated fairly through the strict enforcement of minimum labor standards.
Nationwide awareness programs and workplace inspections have been conducted to address labor issues. Singh also announced intentions to enhance protections for migrant workers by amending important legislation. He stated that the government is reviewing laws to expand the coverage for foreign or migrant workers, especially seafarers, who are currently excluded from existing legal protections. Additionally, there is a review of the Immigration Act aimed at strengthening the work permit process and the establishment of a national labor mobility policy framework in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Concerns have also been expressed in Parliament regarding the skill levels of some foreign workers entering the country. The Minister acknowledged that there have been cases where employers were not satisfied with the skills of workers provided by recruitment agents, despite having certificates that suggested otherwise. Singh explained that employers’ dissatisfaction often leads to redeployment of workers, which then raises issues over reduced wages, resulting in some cases being referred to the Human Rights Commission.
In response to these challenges, Singh emphasized the importance of ensuring that certificates held by workers are authentic and stated that the government is collaborating with agencies from labor-sending countries to facilitate direct dealings between employers and these agencies. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to promoting fair and sustainable labor practices and highlighted ongoing efforts to create a safe and supportive work environment for all workers, aligning with Fiji’s overall productivity goals.