The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has initiated an investigation into the working conditions, allegations of exploitation, violence, and other issues faced by Fijian citizens who seek employment abroad through various programs. This action follows the tragic death of a 24-year-old Fijian female migrant worker who was in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Visa 403 scheme.
Commission chair Pravesh Sharma emphasized that the working conditions surrounding the deceased worker, as reported, warrant a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities. The Commission has reached out to the Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Industrial Relations to gather information regarding the worker’s death, as the Ministry plays a role in facilitating the migrant worker program.
Sharma stated that the investigation will involve coordination with both Fijian and Australian authorities. He highlighted the global vulnerability of migrant workers, who often endure long hours and low wages in unsafe working and living environments, lacking access to healthcare and legal assistance. Many face physical and verbal abuse and discrimination based on race.
He stressed that workers should be allowed the freedom to associate and join labor unions. Sharma raised concerns over the oversight of living conditions for Pacific migrant workers and questioned what mechanisms exist for them to report allegations of violence and exploitation.
Sharma affirmed that all migrant workers deserve protection from any form of torture, be it physical, mental, or emotional, and should not be subjected to cruel or inhumane treatment. He noted that Fiji ratified the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families in 2019 and reiterated the need to safeguard the rights of Fijian migrant workers both domestically and internationally.