The National Employment Centre (NEC) in Fiji has announced that the suspension of registrations for new applicants to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) work schemes will remain in place until further notice. This decision comes as the NEC is currently addressing a backlog of around 35,000 pending applications, a situation that has evolved since the suspension was first implemented in December of last year.
Permanent Secretary of Employment, Maritino Nemani, indicated that while there were initial hopes to lift the suspension, the ongoing influx of applications necessitated additional processing time. In Parliament, Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh previously noted that about 6,669 Fijian workers have participated in the Australian seasonal worker program since its inception in 2021, with roughly 5,000 still employed there. Additionally, around 700 Fijian workers are currently engaged in New Zealand, with more anticipated to join in the near future.
Nemani reassured the public that the Ministry is committed to processing the current applications efficiently and aims to resume new client registrations as soon as the backlog is resolved. He emphasized the importance of these labor mobility programs for the Fijian community and the ministry’s focus on maintaining the integrity of these initiatives.
While the ongoing suspension may pose challenges for prospective applicants, there is a hopeful outlook for a more streamlined registration process in the future. The Ministry’s commitment to resolving the backlog illustrates its dedication to supporting Fijian workers and enhancing opportunities for their families abroad.
In summary, the suspension, while temporary, underscores a responsible approach from the Ministry of Employment to ensure fair processing of applications. As these challenges are navigated, the ultimate goal remains to provide Fijian workers with better access to overseas job opportunities, thereby benefiting families and communities in Fiji.
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