Out of the more than 700 businesses in Fiji that employ foreign workers, only about 20 have been identified as breaching labor regulations, according to Edward Bernard, the chief executive officer of the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF). Bernard noted that the increasing reliance on foreign workers, particularly from Bangladesh, has created both labor and employment challenges for local businesses.
He explained that many employers are struggling to find the right quantity and quality of local workers, leading them to seek foreign labor as a necessary solution. However, hiring foreign workers comes with significant costs. Prior to their arrival, employers typically incur expenses averaging around $3,000—this includes airfare and recruitment fees.
Bernard emphasized the importance of foreign workers in maintaining the operation of factories and businesses within Fiji. The Ministry of Immigration reports that approximately 714 businesses currently employ foreign workers in the country. While there are some breaches in worker rights, Bernard reassured that these violations involve only a small fraction of employers.
He indicated that after consulting with the Ministry of Employment, it appears that around 20 businesses are linked to issues relating to labor regulations. “It’s a minority of businesses that are breaching this. Not all employers are bad,” he stated, pointing out the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring compliance and addressing violations effectively.
This scenario illustrates the complexities faced by businesses in Fiji as they strive to balance labor needs with adherence to regulations, ultimately highlighting the challenges within the job market and the critical nature of foreign labor in sustaining economic operations. Despite the issues, the proactive measures being undertaken by authorities signal a commitment to improving the employment landscape in Fiji.
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