The suspension of registration for new applicants to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) work schemes will remain in effect indefinitely in Fiji, as confirmed by the National Employment Centre (NEC) under the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations. This decision is a response to an overwhelming backlog of approximately 35,000 pending applications that need processing.

Permanent Secretary of Employment, Maritino Nemani, had initially anticipated resuming new registrations, but the continued influx of applications has delayed that process further. The suspension, which began in December 2023, highlights the challenges the NEC faces as they manage existing applications. Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh noted in recent Parliamentary discussions that since the start of the seasonal worker program in Australia in 2021, around 6,669 Fijian workers have participated, with approximately 5,000 still currently employed there, along with around 700 workers in New Zealand.

Despite the continuing suspension posing challenges for potential new applicants, Nemani reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to efficiently process the backlog. He acknowledged the vital role that these labor mobility programs play for the Fijian community and expressed hope for a smoother registration process in the future.

The NEC’s approach aims to ensure fair treatment for all applicants while addressing administrative challenges effectively. The government’s dedication to resolving these issues indicates optimism for enhanced opportunities in the labor mobility framework for Fijian workers and their families moving forward.

In summary, while the ongoing suspension creates uncertainty and obstacles for new applicants, the NEC’s focus on processing existing applications responsibly reflects a commitment to improving the system. This proactive strategy is designed to eventually provide better access to overseas job opportunities for Fijian workers, fostering community support and family benefits as these programs resume.