The suspension of new registrations for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) work schemes in Fiji will remain in place until further notice. This announcement was made by the National Employment Centre (NEC) of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations.

Permanent Secretary of Employment, Maritino Nemani, had previously indicated that the suspension was expected to be lifted on January 1, 2025, but due to a substantial backlog of around 35,000 applications, the NEC has decided to extend it further. Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh informed Parliament that since the inception of these programs, approximately 6,669 Fijian workers have participated in the seasonal worker program in Australia, with many still there, and around 700 workers in New Zealand.

Nemani emphasized the significance of these labor mobility programs to the Fijian community and assured that the Ministry is dedicated to processing existing applications and resuming new client registrations as promptly as possible. This prolonged suspension, first implemented in December 2023, is viewed not only as a necessary action to handle existing applications effectively but also as a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the labor mobility schemes.

The Fijian government is keen on addressing the challenges faced by these programs while recognizing the substantial benefits they provide for Fijian workers. Moving forward, the hope is for a smoother process for future registrations and a robust support system for those currently participating in these schemes.

In summary, while the moratorium on new applications poses challenges, it reflects a responsible approach from the Ministry, ensuring that all applicants are served fairly and efficiently, paving the way for future opportunities in labor mobility for the Fijian workforce.