Fiji’s Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh has issued a stern warning to foreign workers regarding their employment contracts, emphasizing the importance of honoring agreements to avoid deportation. This follows the recent incident involving eight Bangladeshi workers who allegedly fled their employer, CR Engineering Pte Limited, in Lautoka, without notice.
The company reported that five workers abandoned their accommodation in Tavakubu, Lautoka, just three months into their contracts, while the remaining workers also failed to return to work four months later. Minister Singh strongly condemned the workers’ actions and advised those with grievances to address issues directly with their employers rather than running away. He reiterated that employees who abscond would ultimately be found, leading to potential deportation by the Immigration Department.
In a bid to provide support, CR Engineering has been proactive in offering skills training for its employees, as some were discovered to lack the necessary qualifications for their roles. A representative from the company noted the challenges posed by language barriers and the subsequent arrangement of a three-month skills upgrade, which unfortunately did not prevent some workers from leaving without communication.
Furthermore, the company raised concerns that one of the missing workers might be involved in illegal recruitment practices, potentially misleading others regarding employment opportunities in Fiji. Minister Singh encouraged discourse and problem resolution through the Ministry of Employment for those feeling uncomfortable in their work environment.
The situation has raised significant concern about the welfare of foreign workers in Fiji, as reports of missing individuals and contract violations have surfaced. Singh called on employers to ensure fair treatment of workers while also urging foreign workers to seek assistance from relevant authorities before problems escalate.
In addition, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua revealed that 713 work permits were issued to Bangladeshis in the first half of this year, reflecting an increasing trend of Bangladeshi nationals in the Fijian workforce, particularly in construction and manufacturing sectors.
Overall, this incident underscores the necessity for better communication between foreign workers and their employers, as well as the importance of employment support and legal compliance for the safety and well-being of overseas employees in Fiji.
Positive Outlook: The proactive measures taken by the Ministry of Employment and CR Engineering highlight a commitment to improving foreign worker rights and enhancing their skills, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to a thriving workforce in Fiji.
Leave a comment