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 continue indefinitely in Fiji, according to a statement from the National Employment Centre (NEC) of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations. The decision comes as the NEC works through a significant backlog of around 35,000 applications.

Permanent Secretary of Employment, Maritino Nemani, noted that while there were initial expectations to lift the suspension, the ministry is still diligently processing the high volume of pending applications. The suspension was first introduced in December of last year and was initially expected to be lifted in July, but the continued influx of applications necessitated its extension.

Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh previously informed Parliament that since the implementation of the seasonal worker program in Australia in 2021, approximately 6,669 Fijian workers have participated, with about 5,000 still employed there, and around 700 in New Zealand.

Nemani expressed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of these labor programs and highlighted the importance of these schemes for the Fijian community. He reassured the public that efforts are being made to resume new client registrations as soon as the backlog is adequately addressed. There is a hopeful outlook that resolving these current issues will lead to a more efficient registration process in the future.

This situation illustrates the government’s responsibility to foster fair treatment for applicants while navigating through administrative challenges. There remains optimism that once the backlog is cleared, the enhanced registration process will provide better opportunities for Fijian workers and their families.

In summary, while the suspension presents immediate challenges, it also reflects a responsible approach by the Ministry to safeguard the interests of existing applicants and enhance future opportunities for Fijians seeking employment abroad. The commitment to resolving these challenges demonstrates a long-term vision for the workforce and the potential benefits of labor mobility initiatives.