Fijian workers engaged in the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme recently met with senior officials from the Ministry of Employment to discuss various issues affecting them while residing in Australia. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka shared the details during a parliamentary session, highlighting the importance of the roadshow conducted by the ministry from September 25 to October 26, which effectively reached out to hundreds of Fijian expatriates.
The initiative included on-the-spot services aimed at easing access to essential government functions. These services encompassed passport renewals managed by the Ministry of Immigration, voter ID registration from the Fijian Elections Office, enrollment in the Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB) facilitated by the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, and the issuance of vital records like birth, death, and marriage certificates through the Ministry of Justice. Importantly, these measures spared many Fijians the costly travel expenses required to return to Fiji for such services.
The community’s reception of this initiative was overwhelmingly positive, as expressed by individuals who appreciated the opportunity to connect with their government without the need for international travel. The Prime Minister commended the efforts of ministry officials, the Fiji High Commission staff in Canberra, and local community elders, acknowledging their significant roles in the program’s success.
Moreover, Rabuka emphasized the importance of maintaining ongoing outreach to ensure that expatriates do not feel disconnected from their homeland. This aligns with broader plans to encourage civic engagement among Fijians abroad, such as the collaborative voter registration efforts led by the Fijian Elections Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and diplomatic missions.
The roadshow demonstrates the Fijian government’s commitment to fostering ties with its diaspora and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their location, can participate in the democratic process. This outreach is a testament to the successful past initiatives aimed at connecting the Fijian community globally, encouraging ongoing dialogue and support.
The PALM Scheme continues to affirm the importance of Fijian workers as a crucial part of family and economic support systems, as observed through stable remittances that contribute to the well-being of families back home. These efforts not only reaffirm the nation’s dedication to its citizens living overseas but also signify a hopeful outlook for future engagement and support for Fijians as they navigate life in a foreign land.
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