The government has recovered over $54,000 in unpaid wages owed to migrant workers. During a parliamentary session today, Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh reported that since 2021, 165 labor complaints have been filed by migrant workers. Of these complaints, 159 have been resolved, while four are still pending in the Employment Relations Tribunal and two are currently under investigation.
Singh noted that these workers are engaged in various sectors, including 46 in wholesale and retail, 121 in construction, nine in the informal sector, seven in manufacturing, and two in the hotel and catering industries. He confirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring fair treatment for all workers in Fiji, including migrant laborers, through stringent enforcement of minimum labor standards. Nationwide awareness sessions and workplace inspections have been carried out to address labor issues.
Additionally, Singh mentioned plans to enhance protections for migrant workers through legislative revisions. “The government is reviewing legislation to extend coverage for foreign or migrant workers, particularly seafarers, who currently lack protections under existing laws. This review also includes the Immigration Act to improve the work permit process and the development of a national labor mobility policy framework and strategy in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM),” he said.
Concerns were raised in Parliament regarding the skill levels of certain foreign workers entering the country. Singh acknowledged that there have been cases where employers were dissatisfied with the skill sets of workers provided by agents, despite certificates suggesting otherwise. He emphasized that employers are frustrated when workers do not possess the expected qualifications, leading to redeployment, which often results in complaints about reduced wages. Some cases have even reached the Human Rights Commission.
In response, Singh indicated that the government is working with labor-sending countries to verify the authenticity of certificates provided by workers and is encouraging employers to engage directly with credible agencies in those countries. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to promoting decent and sustainable labor practices, stressing ongoing efforts to create a safe and supportive work environment for all, in alignment with Fiji’s productivity objectives.