Children whose parents participate in overseas work programs, such as the PALM Scheme, often face abuse or neglect, according to Vani Catanasiga, executive director of the Fiji Council of Social Services. Catanasiga mentioned that reports of such issues have emerged from communities in the western and northern parts of the country.
She emphasized the need for a social impact assessment on labor schemes, expressing frustration over the reluctance to conduct such evaluations. Catanasiga called for a review of the Vuvale Partnership between the Fijian and Australian governments, arguing that if leaders do not recognize the value of workers, advocacy efforts will be ineffective.
Catanasiga also raised concerns about the financial benefits Australians gain from seasonal workers. “We know how much we are getting, but do we know how much the Australian Government is making out of this?” she questioned. She suggested renaming the partnership to “Tavale Partnership” instead of Vuvale Partnership.
Earlier this month, during a regional conference on labor mobility, Fiji’s Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh expressed serious concerns about the impact of labor mobility on Fijian families. Singh noted that while the schemes in Australia and New Zealand provide economic opportunities, they also expose families to social issues, including extramarital affairs, divorces, and lack of financial support, affecting 74 families.
“While the percentage is small, it is still a matter of grave concern,” Singh said. Since 2015, Fiji has sent nearly 13,000 workers to Australia and New Zealand under the PALM and the Recognised Seasonal Employer programs, according to the Employment Minister.