The government has successfully recovered over $54,000 in unpaid wages owed to migrant workers. During a session in Parliament, Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh reported that since 2021, a total of 165 labor complaints have been filed by migrant workers. Among these complaints, 159 have been addressed, while four cases remain pending before the Employment Relations Tribunal, and two are currently under investigation.
Minister Singh noted that the migrant workers are spread across several sectors, with 46 employed in wholesale and retail, 121 in construction, nine in the informal sector, seven in manufacturing, and two in the hotel and catering industry. He emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring fair treatment for all workers in Fiji, including foreign laborers, through strict enforcement of minimum labor standards.
Nationwide awareness sessions and workplace inspections have been carried out to tackle labor-related issues. Singh revealed plans to enhance protections for migrant workers by amending key legislation, stating, “The government is currently reviewing legislation. This review aims to extend coverage to foreign or migrant workers, especially seafarers, who currently lack such protections. Additionally, the Immigration Act is under review to strengthen the work permit process, along with the development of the Fiji national labor mobility policy framework in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).”
Concerns were also voiced in Parliament about the skill levels of certain foreign workers entering the country. The Minister acknowledged instances where employers were unhappy with the skills of workers provided by agents, despite the presence of certificates suggesting otherwise. Singh addressed these issues, recognizing the complaints from employers regarding a mismatch between expected and actual skills of workers. When employers redeploy these workers due to dissatisfaction, the affected workers often raise complaints about reduced wages, with some cases referred to the Human Rights Commission.
Singh assured that the government is working with labor-sending countries and their respective agencies to ensure the authenticity of qualifications presented by workers. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering decent and sustainable labor practices, emphasizing ongoing efforts to create a safe and supportive work environment in alignment with Fiji’s productivity objectives.