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 persist 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, indicated that while the suspension was anticipated to be lifted on August 1, the Ministry is still addressing a considerable backlog of applications. Currently, approximately 35,000 applications for both schemes remain pending.

Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh previously informed Parliament that many Fijian workers have benefited from the seasonal worker programs in both Australia and New Zealand. Since 2021, around 6,669 workers have participated in Australia’s seasonal program, with about 5,000 still engaged. In New Zealand, there are currently 700 Fijian workers, with more expected to join shortly.

The NEC’s decision to extend the suspension, first implemented in December 2023, underscores the importance of processing existing applications effectively, with the aim of maintaining a fair and efficient application process. Nemani stressed the Ministry’s commitment to resuming new registrations as quickly as possible to better serve the Fijian community.

This situation, while challenging, reflects a responsible approach by the Ministry. It emphasizes the government’s dedication to ensuring the integrity of these labor mobility programs, and there is hope for a smoother process in the future as they work through the current backlog.

In summary, while applications are temporarily suspended, efforts to process existing applicants continue, showcasing a commitment to supporting the Fijian workforce and prioritizing their needs.

Overall, the goal remains to effectively balance the immediate challenges with the long-term benefits of labor mobility programs for Fijian workers and their families.