PALM Scheme is not a Holiday Opportunity, says Assistant Minister for Employment Maharaj

Forty seasonal workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme were farewelled yesterday by the Assistant Minister for Employment Alvick Avhikrit Maharaj

Mr Maharaj said the scheme was directly benefitting many of Fijian families, their communities and the Fijian economy through remittances.

While congratulating the selections of these seasonal workers, he also ensured that local employers’ were not disadvantaged by all of them leaving Fiji.

“This is why I am regularly reminding everyone and those of us that are awaiting recruitment or training, please notify your employers well in advance of your intentions.

“Do good by them, as they have done good by you before your new employer.”

Mr Maharaj advised workers that they were being selected to work in Australia and New Zealand, and this was an opportunity for them to improve their family livelihoods and later their communities.

He also reminded them that this was not an opportunity for them to go for a holiday as working in Australia and New Zealand will be tough.

“If you are thinking this is a holiday trip, my advice to you is to stay back in Fiji as this is not the programme for you”. He said

He said they were now the brand that Australia and New Zealand got to see about Fiji. “Show the employers that they need not look anywhere else, because we the Fijians are the best,” he said.

“Also remember the faces of those that you love back here at home, remember the good things that will be happening to you and your family as you work”.

“Remember, that you are the door that can open so many opportunities for your fellow Fijians”, he said

Mr Maharaj said all workers under this scheme would be well looked after by their employers, the Pacific Labor Facility and the National Employment Center here in Fiji.

“Make use of this opportunity and don’t get swayed by outside influence”. He said

Forty workers will be going to six different employers, mainly in the Horticulture Industry, Hospitality Industry and the Meat Industry.

Photo: Ronald Kumar Fijians ready to workers under Pacific Labour Scheme in Australia and New Zealand with Assistant Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Youth and Sports, Alvick Maharaj on August 5, 2022.