A total of 106 families of Fijian workers participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme (PALM) are now eligible to reunite with their loved ones in Australia through the newly launched Family Accompaniment Pilot.
This initiative allows selected Fijian workers to bring their families along as they embark on their work journey in Australia. Pre-departure briefings are being organized in major Fijian cities, including Suva, Nadi, and Labasa, to help families adjust to their new environment. These sessions will address important topics such as cultural integration, financial literacy, health and emergency assistance, parenting rights and responsibilities, access to government benefits, education options, and housing arrangements.
Upon arriving in Australia, these families will be eligible for various governmental benefits, including the Family Tax Benefit, Childcare Subsidy, and Medicare services. Additionally, the partners of the PALM scheme workers will have the opportunity to work, while their children will be able to attend local schools.
This development marks a significant step towards strengthening family ties and enhancing the well-being of Fijian workers abroad, making their transition to life in Australia smoother.
Overall, this initiative is a hopeful sign of a supportive and family-oriented approach to labor mobility, illustrating the commitment to the well-being of workers and their families in a foreign land.
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