The Ministry of Employment is set to involve community stakeholders for the first time to address issues concerning labour mobility. Maritino Nemani, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Employment, confirmed this development.
He noted that over the past 16 months, the Government has formed significant partnerships with relevant organizations to tackle these challenges. “Labour mobility is a valuable program that benefits individual livelihoods,” Mr. Nemani remarked. He emphasized its advantages to Fiji, Australia, and all entities involved in the programme.
Mr. Nemani explained that the collaboration generated over the past 13 to 16 months ensures that all key stakeholders actively participate. He indicated that prior efforts fell short because there was no support system in place for workers facing issues abroad.
The importance of collaborating with various stakeholders, including religious organizations, civil society, other government entities, and the Australian Workers’ Union, was highlighted. Previous initiatives lacked the necessary coordination to assist workers encountering difficulties overseas.
The ministry plans to engage families in the pre-departure process, ensuring that all parties are informed and aligned regarding expectations when their relatives move abroad. This strengthened collaboration is deemed essential for alleviating the effects of labour mobility on both workers and their families.