The Chairperson of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC), Pravesh Sharma, has emphasized that it is illegal for Fijian companies to retain the passports of migrant workers. He reported a troubling increase in complaints from these workers, revealing instances where individuals have found themselves abandoned on the streets due to conflicts with their employers.
In an interview with The Fiji Times online platform, The Lens@177, Sharma pointed out that local employers must recognize the protections afforded to migrant workers and their families under Fiji’s 2013 Constitution and the international agreements ratified by the country. He noted that when disputes arise, these workers often have no place to turn.
Sharma highlighted a troubling trend where local companies confiscate the passports of migrant workers as a means of control, effectively preventing them from leaving their jobs or seeking alternative employment. He stressed, “No one should hold anyone’s passport. The passport should be with the person who owns it.”
The FHRADC has received numerous complaints regarding substandard housing, delayed salary payments, and poor living conditions faced by these workers. However, Sharma reassured that the commission actively addresses these grievances, with many being successfully resolved, emphasizing the importance of the wages these workers send back to their families in their home countries.
This situation highlights a critical human rights issue that needs immediate attention. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility employers have to treat workers with dignity and respect, ensuring their fundamental rights are protected. A collective effort involving government, businesses, and civil society is necessary to create a safer and more equitable environment for all workers in Fiji, allowing them to thrive and contribute positively to both their families and the local economy.
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