The registration for new applicants under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) work schemes will remain suspended indefinitely in Fiji. This was announced by the National Employment Centre (NEC), which is part of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations. The suspension is a result of a significant backlog of approximately 35,000 pending applications that the ministry is currently processing.
Permanent Secretary of Employment, Maritino Nemani, clarified that despite prior expectations to lift the suspension, the NEC continues to manage the high volume of applications. This suspension, which began in December of last year, was initially planned to end in July but had to be extended due to ongoing administrative challenges.
Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh previously informed Parliament about the situation, indicating that since the onset of the seasonal worker programs in Australia and New Zealand, around 6,669 Fijian workers have participated, with approximately 5,000 currently working in Australia and around 700 in New Zealand.
Nemani reiterated the ministry’s commitment to processing existing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible and emphasized the significance of these labor mobility programs for the Fijian community. He expressed optimism that once the backlog is addressed, new registrations will resume, paving the way for a more streamlined process in the future.
While the existing suspension presents immediate challenges for prospective applicants, the NEC’s proactive approach showcases a dedication to ensuring fair treatment in the application process. This strategy signifies hope for enhanced opportunities for Fijian workers and their families in the long run, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of these labor mobility schemes.
In summary, although the ongoing suspension creates uncertainty for new applicants, it highlights the NEC’s effort to manage existing applications responsibly and improve the registration process, ultimately aiming to provide better access to overseas job opportunities for Fijian workers.
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