Pravesh Sharma, the chairperson of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC), has underscored the illegality of Fijian companies retaining the passports of migrant workers. He highlighted a worrying trend of increased complaints from these workers, revealing that some have been abandoned on the streets following disputes with their employers.
In an interview with The Fiji Times’ online platform, The Lens@177, Mr. Sharma emphasized that local employers must recognize their obligations under the Fijian Constitution and various international agreements that safeguard the rights of migrant workers and their families in Fiji. He pointed out that when conflicts arise, many migrant workers find themselves vulnerable and without support, often seeking help from the FHRADC.
Sharma stated that the practice of withholding passports is not only unlawful but also a means of exerting control, preventing workers from leaving the country or seeking employment elsewhere. He strongly advocated that no one should have possession of another individual’s passport, as it is the rightful property of the passport holder.
Among the most significant issues migrant workers face include inadequate housing, unpaid wages, and unsatisfactory living conditions. The FHRADC aims to address these complaints, most of which are successfully resolved, underscoring the important contributions these workers make by sending money back home to their families.
This situation illustrates the ongoing challenges that migrant workers face, but it also highlights the efforts being made by organizations like FHRADC to protect their rights and ensure that they are treated fairly. By raising awareness and actively supporting these individuals, there is hope for improved working conditions and treatment of migrant workers in Fiji.
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