Grace Built & Design-Fiji Pte Ltd has publicly raised concerns over what it describes as an embarrassing and damaging social media post circulated by the Fiji Immigration Department, involving one of its workers.
In a statement, the company said its block layer, Masud Rana, holds a valid work visa and is legally employed by the firm. The company said Rana is currently residing in its company flat in Lautoka and remains under its supervision.
“This is the third time immigration has done this, and always the reply is we are sorry it was for some other staff,” the company said, claiming the department does not maintain an accurate list of individuals working for specific companies.
Grace Built & Design-Fiji said it has repeatedly contacted immigration officials through emails and phone calls seeking clarification on visa applications, pending cases and rejections, but has received little to no response. The company questioned why a “wanted” article was circulated online despite numerous emails requesting an explanation.
The firm described the post as defamatory and said it was particularly distressing given that the worker is legally employed and has been a “very good and disciplined” employee.
It said repeated attempts to obtain answers from immigration officials have gone unanswered.
The company also highlighted broader labour challenges, saying it has lost nearly 90 per cent of its local workforce to overseas employment opportunities.
With limited local workers available, Grace Built & Design-Fiji said it has relied on skilled workers from Bangladesh and the Philippines, whom it brings to Fiji, trains to its standards and employs.
“If we do not bring staff from abroad, we won’t be able to run the company or deliver projects for our clients,” the company said, adding that any disruption to its operations could negatively affect local clients, investment, tax revenue and the wider economy.
