The Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service (TSLS) has reinstated penalties for students who fail to fulfill their bond requirements to enhance accountability and ensure the investment made by taxpayers is maximized. According to Hasmukh Lal, CEO of TSLS, this move is designed to promote compliance among graduates by imposing penalties that range from a minimum of 10% to a maximum of 50% for those who do not complete their required service period.

During a recent ceremony in Suva, Lal stated that the reintroduction of the penalties aims to deter graduates from merely opting to pay off their bonds without serving the necessary time in the local workforce. He clarified that graduates who decide against fulfilling their bond are expected to repay their outstanding balance along with any applicable penalties.

Furthermore, the bond requirement for students who study abroad has been adjusted, increasing from 1.5 times the duration of their studies to 2.5 times, reinforcing the government’s commitment to retaining skilled professionals within Fiji. Graduates leaving for international employment will face arrival alerts and must clear all payments before being allowed to travel.

These changes were further echoed by Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, who highlighted the importance of retaining skilled graduates in the country to properly utilize the substantial financial investment made in their education. Addressing the issue of students accepting overseas job offers before completing their bond period, Radrodro emphasized that those who wish to migrate must first honor their obligations to serve in Fiji.

In addition, the government is actively implementing supportive measures for students struggling academically, aiming to reduce failure rates and better utilize state resources. The coordination between TSLS and tertiary institutions is set to improve transparency regarding student obligations and eligibility criteria, seeking to mitigate incidents of misinformation that have previously impacted enrollment and funding.

Overall, these developments signify a robust effort by the Fijian government to ensure that education investments yield effective and beneficial outcomes for both students and the local workforce. The reinforced penalties and supportive academic programs present a hopeful shift towards enhancing educational integrity and promoting the professional landscape in Fiji.