The registration for new applicants to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) work schemes in Fiji will continue to be suspended until further notice. This decision was announced by the National Employment Centre (NEC) under the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations. Permanent Secretary of Employment, Maritino Nemani, noted that while the suspension was expected to be lifted, the Ministry is still addressing a significant backlog of around 35,000 pending applications that arose after the initial suspension was implemented in December of last year.

Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh had previously informed Parliament that since the program’s inception in 2021, approximately 6,669 Fijian workers have participated in the seasonal worker program in Australia, with about 5,000 still working there. Additionally, around 700 Fijian workers are currently employed in New Zealand, with more expected to join soon.

Despite the challenges posed by the suspension, the NEC is committed to processing existing applications efficiently and aims to resume new client registrations as quickly as possible. Nemani highlighted the importance of these labor mobility programs for the Fijian community and emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of these initiatives.

While the ongoing suspension may present immediate obstacles for prospective applicants, there is a hopeful outlook for a more streamlined registration process in the future. The government’s commitment to resolving these issues reflects a dedication to supporting Fijian workers and enhancing opportunities for their families abroad.

In summary, while the temporary hold on new applications poses some challenges, it is a responsible approach by the Ministry to ensure the fair processing of current applications. The focus remains on creating a more effective registration system, which aims to ultimately benefit the Fijian workforce in the long run.