The Employment Ministry of Fiji has formalized a collaboration with the International Organization for Migration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at developing a 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.
According to Nemani, this signing represents a crucial step towards improving labour mobility and promoting sustainable development in Fiji. He expressed that the MOU reflects a strong commitment to working together to tackle the challenges and opportunities associated with labour mobility. The initiative aims to establish a systematic and sustainable framework for labour mobility that benefits both workers and the nation.
The policy seeks to enhance the skills and employability of Fijian workers, ensuring they remain competitive in the global job market, while also opening doors for foreign workers to find employment in Fiji. Additionally, Nemani mentioned that the policy will prioritize the protection of workers’ rights and welfare, ensuring that they are treated with fairness and dignity in their host countries.
IOM Chief of Mission Kantha emphasized the importance of the MOU for fostering a robust partnership between IOM and the Employment Ministry. He noted that the agreement will facilitate IOM’s provision of technical assistance related to the rights of migrant workers. This will include conducting research, building capacity for gathering and analyzing labour migration data, and supporting efforts to combat trafficking, all with the overarching goal of reducing poverty and promoting economic growth.
Currently, IOM is collaborating with the Ministry on a project titled “Labour Mobility for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience in the Pacific,” which is being funded by the Migration Partnership Trust Fund and implemented in conjunction with the International Labour Organization over a period of 24 months. Under this project, IOM will also aid in the formulation of Fiji’s National Labour Mobility Policy and Strategy.
Kantha affirmed IOM’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry and reiterated support to the Government of Fiji in enhancing partnerships through this MOU to help the nation fulfill its development goals.