The registration for new applicants to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) work schemes will remain suspended indefinitely in Fiji. This announcement was made by the National Employment Centre (NEC) of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations, which cited a substantial backlog of approximately 35,000 applications still needing processing.

Permanent Secretary of Employment, Maritino Nemani, explained that the suspension was expected to be lifted, but due to the overwhelming number of pending applications, it must be extended. This suspension was initially imposed in December 2023 and was originally anticipated to end in July 2024; however, the continuous influx of applications prompted the NEC to take this action.

Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh had previously reported to Parliament that since the PALM program started in 2021, around 6,669 Fijian workers have participated in the seasonal worker program in Australia, with approximately 5,000 currently working there, and another 700 in New Zealand, with more expected to join soon.

Despite the challenges brought about by the suspension, Nemani reassured that the NEC is committed to processing existing applications efficiently and aims to resume new registrations as soon as possible. He emphasized the critical importance of these labor mobility programs for the Fijian community and highlighted the government’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of these schemes.

While the ongoing suspension may appear daunting for prospective applicants, it is viewed as a necessary step to uphold fairness in processing current applications. The commitment from the ministry reflects a desire to improve the long-term efficiency of the registration process, ultimately leading to more opportunities for Fijian workers and their families.

In summary, while the suspension of new registrations introduces uncertainty, it represents a responsible approach by the Ministry of Employment to address current challenges effectively. There is optimism for future improvements in the registration process, fostering better access to overseas employment opportunities for Fijian workers.