Fiji is poised to potentially reinstate a three-day family care leave contingent upon the amendments to the Employment Relations Act 2007 being approved by Parliament. The Fiji Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations is currently conducting public consultations across the country to discuss this significant proposal.

The earlier provisions allowed for five days of family care leave; however, during the COVID-19 pandemic beginning August 1, 2021, this entitlement was drastically reduced to just one day. The proposed new legislation aims to address this issue, allowing employees to take three days off to care for an immediate family member incapacitated due to illness, injury, or medical conditions. Notably, the revised bill removes the term “household,” thereby limiting the leave to immediate family members only.

This review comes at a critical time and is seen as a positive move towards promoting workers’ rights and supporting family needs in Fiji. The potential return of family care leave aligns with broader legislative efforts aimed at enhancing family welfare, including the Childcare and Protection Bill 2024, which seeks to combat the rising number of children in residential care due to neglect or abuse.

Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Ms. Tabuya, has highlighted the importance of these legislative proposals in strengthening family units and providing necessary support during difficult times. The reinstatement of family care leave reflects the Fijian government’s commitment to improving family welfare and addressing urgent community needs.

Overall, the proposed amendments signify a hopeful step forward for both workers and vulnerable populations in Fiji, fostering an environment conducive to family support and well-being. As discussions evolve, there is optimism that these reforms will lead to meaningful progress in protecting families and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.