Since 2021, the Ministry of Employment has received 165 labor complaints from migrant workers, with 159 complaints resolved, two currently under investigation, and four still pending with the Employment Relations Tribunal.
Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh provided this update during a parliamentary session in response to a question from Kalaveti Ravu regarding the working conditions of foreign workers in Fiji.
Mr. Singh mentioned that the Ministry successfully recovered $154,337.34 in unpaid wages for migrant workers. The government is also conducting a review aimed at expanding the coverage for foreign or migrant workers, especially seafarers.
Additionally, he highlighted the development of a national labor mobility policy framework in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration. The government is reviewing the Immigration Act to reinforce the work permit process and is committed to promoting fair and sustainable labor practices.
Concerns have been raised by employers regarding a mismatch between the skill levels of workers and the qualifications verified by agents during the recruitment process.
Employers expressed dissatisfaction that the skills of the workers did not meet their expectations, leading to redeployments. However, the reassigned workers have raised complaints about experiencing wage reductions. Some of these issues have escalated to the Human Rights Commission, prompting the Ministry to engage with agents to ensure the authenticity of the provided qualifications.
Mr. Singh confirmed that the Ministry is addressing these complaints promptly.