A significant number of Fijians, totaling 2,183, have been blacklisted from participating in the country’s labor mobility program due to adverse police records. Maritino Nemani, the permanent secretary of the Employment Ministry, addressed this issue at the 26th Attorney-General’s conference in Nadi. He emphasized that these individuals are not blacklisted because of their skills or dedication but rather because of past mistakes.
In 2023 alone, 142 potential workers were excluded from the labor mobility program as a result of their police records. Mr. Nemani pointed out that this program has become a crucial avenue for Fiji’s economic development and called for a reconsideration of the current system. He noted that the labor mobility program has contributed over $300 million in remittances to Fiji’s economy since its inception, providing thousands of Fijians with opportunities to work abroad, enhance their skills, and support their families.
Despite these benefits, the existing screening process poses a significant challenge. Every applicant must disclose any past convictions, which leads to comprehensive background checks conducted by the Fiji Police Force. While this process is intended to uphold the program’s integrity, Mr. Nemani highlighted that the resulting patterns and statistics require urgent attention and reform.
This situation presents an opportunity for positive change, as reforming the labor mobility program could lead to a more inclusive system that allows individuals to overcome their past mistakes and contribute to the economy. By addressing the barriers that prevent skilled Fijians from participating, the program could further enhance economic growth and improve lives in the community.
In summary, the blacklisting of 2,183 Fijians raises important questions about the balance between maintaining program integrity and providing second chances to those looking to contribute positively to society.
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