The government has successfully recovered over $54,000 in unpaid wages owed to migrant workers. During a speech in Parliament, Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh reported that since 2021, a total of 165 labor complaints have been filed by migrant workers. Out of these, 159 cases have been resolved, while four are currently pending before the Employment Relations Tribunal, and two remain under investigation.
Singh noted that these workers are engaged in various sectors: 46 in wholesale and retail, 121 in construction, nine in the informal sector, seven in manufacturing, and two in the hotel and catering industry. He emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring fair treatment for all workers in Fiji, including foreign laborers, through strict enforcement of minimum labor standards.
To address labor issues, the government has conducted awareness sessions and workplace inspections nationwide. Singh also mentioned plans to enhance protections for migrant workers by revising key legislation. The government is in the process of reviewing laws to extend protections for foreign workers, especially seafarers, who are currently not covered under existing legislation. Additionally, the Immigration Act is being assessed to strengthen the work permit process, alongside the development of a national labor mobility policy framework in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration.
Concerns were raised in Parliament about the skill levels of some foreign workers entering the country. Singh acknowledged that there have been instances where employers were dissatisfied with the skills of workers supplied by recruitment agents, despite them having certificates that suggested otherwise.
He addressed these concerns, stating that employers have expressed frustration over the skills of workers not aligning with their expectations. In some cases, when workers were redeployed to different positions, they reported receiving lower wages, leading to complaints filed with the Human Rights Commission. The government is currently engaging with recruitment agents to ensure the authenticity of the certificates provided by workers. Singh encouraged employers to collaborate directly with government agencies in the countries sending labor to improve the situation.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting decent and sustainable labor practices, stressing ongoing efforts to establish a safe and supportive work environment that aligns with Fiji’s productivity objectives.