The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has commenced preliminary inquiries into allegations raised by 26 Bangladeshi workers who claim to have been subjected to mistreatment by their employer.
In a statement, FICAC said six workers formally lodged a complaint with them, reporting that they, along with 20 others, had faced serious workplace injustices. “Among the grievances articulated are claims of unpaid wages, substandard living conditions, insufficient sustenance, denial of medical attention, breaches of contractual obligations, and threats of deportation issued by local staff,” the statement read.
“Such claims, if substantiated, contravene the terms and conditions originally set forth in their employment contracts.”
The commission said the affected workers were currently employed by a locally-registered business and reside in Koronivia.
“The complainants further alleged that prior attempts to obtain redress through appeals to the Department of Immigration and the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations have not yielded any satisfactory remedy.”
The commission reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice and the eradication of corruption, abuse of authority, and exploitation in all its forms. “A careful examination of the particulars now submitted is presently underway to ascertain whether violations of the FICAC Act or any related statutes have indeed occurred.”
