Fiji’s Employment Minister, Agni Deo Singh, has issued a warning to foreign workers regarding the importance of honoring their work contracts, emphasizing that non-compliance could lead to deportation. This stern reminder comes in the wake of a situation involving eight Bangladeshi workers who abandoned their jobs at CR Engineering Pte Limited in Lautoka without notice.
The company reported that five of the workers left their accommodation within just three months of employment, and four months later, the remaining members also failed to report to the office. Minister Singh condemned their actions, highlighting the necessity for workers to address any grievances directly with their employers rather than fleeing. “If you face issues with your employer, come to us. We are here to assist you with resolving any difficulties,” Singh stated, emphasizing that disappearing will only aggravate the situation.
In response to the missing workers, the company has sought public assistance to locate them. They have also been actively working to support their employees by identifying and addressing skills deficiencies among the workers, which included providing three-month skills upgrade training. Unfortunately, some workers chose to leave even after these efforts were made.
Moreover, concerns have emerged that one of the missing workers might be involved in illegal recruitment activities, potentially luring other individuals to Fiji under false pretenses. Singh urged workers to seek help from the Ministry of Employment rather than taking drastic measures.
The case brings to light increasing worries about the welfare of foreign workers in Fiji, as reports of contract violations and missing personnel rise. Singh has also called on employers to treat their employees fairly while encouraging workers to seek assistance before the situation escalates into severe consequences.
The Ministry of Employment, the Immigration Department, and the Fiji Police Force are actively investigating the disappearances, working diligently to locate the missing workers.
Interestingly, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, recently informed Parliament that 713 work permits were issued to Bangladeshi nationals between January and July this year, representing the highest number of permits issued from a total of 2009. This trend is indicative of Bangladeshis increasingly filling roles in Fiji’s construction and manufacturing sectors, highlighting the growing reliance on foreign labor.
This situation presents an opportunity for improvement in worker-employee relations in Fiji, and hopefully, a more supportive framework will develop that benefits both workers and employers, fostering a safer working environment for all.
Summary: Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh has warned foreign workers in Fiji to adhere to their work contracts or risk deportation, following the disappearance of eight Bangladeshi workers. The company involved has been proactive in addressing skills gaps among its workers and encourages seeking help through formal channels instead of abandoning contracts. As investigations continue, the trend of issuing work permits to Bangladeshi nationals signals a concerning yet transformative phase for foreign labor in Fiji.
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