Former civil servants in Fiji who were dismissed under the previous government’s “no jab, no job” policy will not be automatically reinstated, as stated by Acting Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Samuela Moce. While these individuals are eligible to reapply for government positions, they will face competition from other job seekers.
Mr. Moce clarified that ministries must refrain from reinstating those terminated for non-compliance with the vaccination policy. He pointed out that positions left vacant by unvaccinated employees have already been filled, and all applications will go through the established recruitment processes to ensure fairness. “We want to maintain a fair and balanced recruitment process,” he stated.
When asked about the 320 civil servants impacted by this policy and whether they have successfully returned to work since the adjustment of the Health and Safety at Work Regulations, Mr. Moce noted that the ministry needs time to gather accurate data and requested two weeks to compile this information.
Importantly, Mr. Moce stressed that there will be no preferential treatment for those reapplying for their previous roles, underscoring the government’s commitment to equal opportunity within the hiring framework.
This decision aligns with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s earlier communications regarding the civil service’s hurdles during the pandemic, as well as the government’s intention to support those affected. The Fijian administration is also focused on addressing staffing shortages linked to high turnover rates seen in government roles, signaling a strategic effort to increase job satisfaction and retention.
As Fiji navigates this transitional phase, the government’s measures reflect a hopeful outlook, promoting a fair and supportive employment environment for all who seek to serve within the civil service. This signifies a commitment to rebuilding trust and providing a stable framework for public service employment in the nation.
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