Sumit Avinash Naidu’s dream to better support his family has come true.
He was recently selected by the National Employment Centre (NEC) to work in Adelaide, Australia under the Pacific Labour Scheme.
The 36-year-old Energy Fiji Limited meter attendant from Nakasi recently got his authorisation papers from NEC and aims to work hard to improve his family’s livelihood.
“I’m married with three kids – two daughters aged 11 and a son aged four years old,” Mr Naidu said.
His wife works as a teacher at Suva Special School.
“I will be leaving them behind to join as a horticulture fruit picker based in Australia.
“This will be my first time to go to Australia and I’m very excited about this opportunity.
“I’m taking this opportunity to give my family a better quality of life.”
He said when the Pacific Labour Scheme was introduced, he had always wanted to try it out.
“I was always dreaming of going when the scheme was introduced and was hopeful of getting it one day.
“Now, I have a four-year visa, but after spending nine months in Australia, I’ll come back to Fiji for a three-month break. After that, I’ll go back for another nine months and will come back again for a three-month break.”
Mr Naidu said he was sacrificing his time with his family to bring happiness and a better future.
“I have to be resilient because what I’m doing is for the betterment of my family, whom I wouldn’t be able to provide for by working in Fiji.
“Initially, I was offered a maintenance job but I chose picking fruits because the more pieces I pick, the more money I’ll get.
“As a meter attendant, I worked out in the sun and rain most days. So, working outside on a farm is not going to be a problem for me.”
One of his fears was seeing venomous snakes and spiders in the farm where he would work.
“We don’t see those kind of animals in Fiji but I hope to get through that, fight my fears to have a good life.”
He said if given the opportunity to migrate, he won’t hesitate.
“I was told in the training that after we complete our four years, we could apply for permanent residency.
“Hopefully, my work experience will give me the opportunity to apply for a PR in Australia.”
