The registration for new applicants for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) work schemes will remain suspended in Fiji until further notice, according to the National Employment Centre (NEC) of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations. Permanent Secretary of Employment, Maritino Nemani, explained that the suspension, initially expected to be lifted today, is necessary due to the ongoing processing of a backlog of approximately 35,000 applications.

The suspension was first instituted in December last year, and although it was anticipated to be lifted in July, the significant number of outstanding applications compelled the NEC to continue the pause. Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh updated Parliament previously on the situation, noting that since the inception of the seasonal worker program in Australia in 2021, about 6,669 Fijian workers have participated, with approximately 5,000 still in Australia, and another 700 currently in New Zealand.

Nemani reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to resume new client registrations as soon as the backlog is adequately addressed, underscoring the vital role these labor mobility programs play for Fijians. He expressed hope for a smoother and more efficient registration process in the future, as resolving this backlog will ultimately benefit both the workers and their families.

Community members are encouraged to remain optimistic, as the government aims to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the labor mobility schemes, ensuring fair treatment for current and future applicants. While challenges remain, the commitment from the Ministry to navigate through these issues demonstrates a responsible approach, promising potential improvements in the system that can lead to greater opportunities for Fijian workers abroad.