The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has initiated an investigation into the working conditions, alleged exploitation, violence, and other issues faced by Fijian citizens who travel abroad for work under various programs. This inquiry follows the death of a 24-year-old Fijian female migrant worker who went to Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Visa 403 scheme.
Commission chair Pravesh Sharma stated that the circumstances surrounding the working conditions of the deceased worker, which have been widely reported, warrant investigation by relevant authorities. The Commission has reached out to the Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Industrial Relations for information regarding the worker’s death, as the Ministry facilitates the migrant worker program.
Sharma noted that the investigation will involve communication with both Fijian and Australian authorities. He expressed concern over the vulnerability of migrant workers worldwide, who often endure long hours for low pay, unsafe working and living environments, lack of access to healthcare, and inadequate legal aid. Furthermore, these workers may face physical and verbal abuse as well as racial discrimination.
He emphasized that workers should have the right to associate freely and join labor unions. Questions were raised regarding the oversight of living conditions for Pacific migrant workers and whether mechanisms exist for them to report violence and exploitation.
Sharma affirmed that all migrant workers are entitled to be free from all forms of torture, including physical, mental, or emotional harm, as well as from cruel or degrading treatment. He reminded that in 2019, Fiji ratified the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. He reiterated Fiji’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of migrant workers, both domestically and internationally.