The Fijian Parliament is considering the reinstatement of a three-day family care leave, contingent upon the approval of the amended Employment Relations Act 2007. Currently, the Fiji Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations is conducting public consultations nationwide on this significant issue.

The original legislation provided workers with five days of family care leave; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was significantly reduced to just one day starting August 1, 2021. The upcoming bill proposes to restore some of this entitlement, suggesting a limited three days of leave primarily for employees who need to care for an immediate family member suffering from illness, injury, or medical conditions. A notable revision in the proposed law is the removal of the term “household,” which restricts entitlement to immediate family members only.

This legislative amendment not only addresses the needs of working families but also aligns with broader social welfare initiatives in Fiji, such as the impending Childcare and Protection Bill 2024. This bill aims to tackle the concerning rise in children entering residential care homes due to neglect or abuse, emphasizing the importance of family-based care.

The reinstatement of family care leave reflects the Fijian government’s commitment to enhancing family welfare and supporting the rights of workers. As stated by Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Ms. Tabuya, this is a hopeful development that reinforces the community’s focus on nurturing family bonds during challenging times.

Overall, the proposed changes signify a step towards fostering a more supportive environment for families in Fiji, ultimately promoting the well-being of both workers and vulnerable individuals within the community. As discussions around these amendments continue, there is optimism that they will lead to meaningful reforms benefitting Fiji’s families and the overall fabric of society.