The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has initiated an investigation into the working conditions, alleged exploitation, and violence faced by Fijians who travel abroad for work under various schemes. This inquiry follows the tragic death of a 24-year-old female migrant worker who went to Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Visa 403 scheme.
Commission chair Pravesh Sharma emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the working conditions surrounding the deceased worker, as reported by the media, which may have contributed to her passing. The Commission has reached out to the Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Industrial Relations for information regarding the circumstances of the worker’s death, as this ministry plays a role in facilitating the migrant worker program.
Sharma stated that the investigation will involve collaboration with relevant authorities in both Fiji and Australia. He highlighted the vulnerability of migrant workers worldwide, who often face long hours, low wages, unsafe working and living conditions, lack of access to healthcare, and legal assistance. Many such workers experience physical and verbal abuse, as well as racial discrimination.
He asserted that workers should have the freedom to associate and join labor unions, raising concerns about the monitoring of the living conditions of Pacific migrant workers. Sharma questioned the existence of mechanisms that allow migrant workers to file complaints regarding violence and exploitation.
He reiterated that all migrant workers have the right to be free from any form of torture—whether physical, mental, or emotional—and from cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment. Notably, Fiji ratified the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families in 2019. The Commission is committed to ensuring that the rights of Fijian migrant workers abroad are safeguarded, just as those employed within Fiji are protected.