Fiji’s Employment Minister, Agni Deo Singh, has issued a stern warning to foreign workers, emphasizing the importance of honoring their work contracts. His statement comes in light of an incident involving eight Bangladeshi workers, who absconded from their employer, CR Engineering Pte Limited, in Lautoka. The company reported that five workers left their accommodation just three months into their contracts, and the remaining workers also failed to report for work four months later.
Minister Singh condemned the actions of the workers, stating that such behavior is unacceptable. He urged workers to address any grievances directly with their employers instead of abandoning their posts, which he believes complicates the situation. He also cautioned that if found violating their contracts, workers could face deportation after termination.
The company has publicly sought assistance from the community in locating the missing workers. A representative explained that many of the workers lacked the necessary skills for their roles, leading to a language barrier. In response, the company arranged a three-month skills upgrade, but despite their efforts, some workers chose to leave without notifying management.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the possibility of illegal recruitment practices among the absent workers, which may involve bringing others to Fiji under false pretenses. In light of this, Singh reiterated that workers experiencing any discomfort with their employers should seek help from the Ministry of Employment rather than absconding.
The issue brings attention to the welfare of foreign workers in Fiji. Reports of missing workers and breaches of contract have sparked worries over the safety and legal rights of expatriate employees. Singh emphasized the need for fair treatment by employers and encouraged workers to seek assistance before issues escalate further. Ongoing investigations are being conducted by the Immigration Department, the Ministry of Employment, and the Fiji Police Force to locate the missing personnel.
Interestingly, data from the Ministry for Home Affairs and Immigration indicate that 713 work permits were issued to Bangladeshi nationals in the first half of 2023, making them the largest group of foreign workers in Fiji. This trend reflects a growing reliance on foreign labor in the construction and manufacturing sectors, highlighting the potential for economic growth through international partnerships.
This situation could serve as a pivotal moment for improving communication and support systems for foreign workers in Fiji, fostering an environment where both employers and employees can thrive through understanding and respect. With government efforts to address these challenges, there is hope for a more unified approach to labor relations in the future.
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