The registration of new applicants for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) work schemes in Fiji will remain suspended indefinitely. The National Employment Centre (NEC), under the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, has confirmed this decision, citing a substantial backlog of approximately 35,000 pending applications that still need to be processed.
Permanent Secretary of Employment, Maritino Nemani, indicated that the suspension was initially expected to be lifted but has now been extended to manage the overwhelming number of applications effectively. This suspension, originally instituted in December 2023, was anticipated to end earlier this year but has needed further extension due to the continued influx of applications.
Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh previously addressed Parliament, stating that since the launch of the seasonal worker program in Australia in 2021, about 6,669 Fijian workers have participated, with roughly 5,000 still employed in Australia, while around 700 Fijian workers are currently in New Zealand.
Nemani expressed the NEC’s commitment to eventually resuming new registrations, emphasizing the critical role these labor mobility programs play for Fijian communities. He reassured the public that efforts are being made to process existing applications quickly and efficiently.
While the suspension presents immediate challenges for new applicants, there is a note of optimism. The commitment from the NEC to resolve these administrative issues may lead to a more streamlined registration process in the future. By focusing on clearing the backlog and enhancing the integrity of these mobility programs, the government aims to benefit both current applicants and those seeking future opportunities abroad.
In summary, while the ongoing suspension creates uncertainties, it reflects a responsible approach to managing labor mobility that prioritizes the fair treatment of all applicants. There is hope that these efforts will ultimately strengthen the labor mobility framework, providing further opportunities for Fijian workers and their families in the long run.
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