The Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Jone Maritino Nemani, has warned that around 400 Fijian workers have disengaged from the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme, saying the actions of a small minority risk damaging Fiji’s reputation and limiting opportunities for future workers.
Nemani said while most Fijian workers continue to perform exceptionally well in Australia, those who abscond or leave their approved employer without authorisation undermine the trust on which the PALM Scheme is built.
“Every worker selected under the PALM Scheme carries not only their own future, but the reputation of Fiji and the opportunities available to thousands of other Fijians seeking overseas employment.”
He said workers travelling under the scheme are ambassadors for Fiji and are expected to comply with Australian laws, visa conditions and the terms of their employment.
Nemani revealed that approximately 400 Fijian workers have disengaged from the programme. While many voluntarily left their jobs without following the proper process, he acknowledged that some experienced genuine workplace issues requiring intervention.
He said the Ministry has worked closely with Australian authorities and employers to assist affected workers, with more than 200 workers successfully re-engaged under the scheme.
“Where workers have been treated unfairly, we have worked with our Australian counterparts to ensure they receive a fair outcome. However, workers who commit serious offences or serious breaches of the programme cannot be re-engaged.”
Nemani stressed that labour mobility programmes depend on trust between governments, employers and workers.
“While most PALM workers continue to represent Fiji with distinction, the actions of a small number who choose to abscond can undermine years of trust built between Fiji, Australia and participating employers.”
He warned that workers who abscond force receiving countries to tighten compliance measures and increase scrutiny, making it harder for future Fijians to access overseas employment opportunities.
Nemani urged workers facing workplace problems to seek assistance from Fiji’s Country Liaison Officers (CLOs) or Australian authorities rather than abandoning their employment.
He also confirmed that every disengaged worker is assessed individually by Australia’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations before any decision is made on re-engagement.
“The PALM Scheme is built on trust. Every worker who fulfils their obligations strengthens Fiji’s reputation and helps create opportunities for others. Every worker who absconds risks closing doors for future generations.”
He encouraged all Fijians working overseas to continue demonstrating the honesty, reliability and strong work ethic that Fiji is recognised for internationally.
