The government is advocating for a greater role of traditional communities in preparing individuals for overseas employment under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Maritino Nemani, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Employment, stressed the importance of a collective effort that encompasses families, communities, and government initiatives.
“We need to engage families and the vanua,” Mr. Nemani stated. He underscored the significance of involving village residents, as many potential workers originate from rural areas.
He mentioned that the registration process for workers wishing to travel abroad has been adjusted to include inquiries about the number of children in their families. “This initiative aims to better understand the family commitments of workers and the implications of their absence,” he added.
Furthermore, Mr. Nemani announced that the Fijian government has acknowledged the necessity for enhanced pre-departure training for workers. The training duration has been extended from four days to two weeks to ensure a more thorough preparation process prior to their departure.