DEMAND FOR FIJIAN WORKERS FROM AUST, NZ GROWS: BALA

About 5200 Fijians are in Australia and New Zealand working under the Pacific Labour Scheme.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Parveen Bala said this while farewelling the 108 Fijians who would leave Fiji next week to work under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

Mr Bala said there was a big demand of Fijian workers from the two countries.

“We can increase this number, but we can only increase this number when you are focused on your work, how you behave, how you perform and how you carry out your work daily,” he said.

“I want to urge all of you, please think of your brothers and sisters who are here in Fiji hoping they also have the opportunity to go to these two countries and work to support their families.

“Be the reason that we have many more employers coming to Fiji to recruit Fijians.”

He urged workers to follow their employment guidelines and stay out of trouble.

“Your priority should be your family,” he said.

“Don’t do things on your own will, follow the guidelines that you have been reminded of here.

“If you have any issues please get in touch with your group leaders, the team back here and our embassy in Australia.

“Don’t take matters into your own hands, there are procedures in place for you to follow.”

He told workers that he was confident that they would prove themselves and make Fiji proud. INOKE RABONU

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