The warning by the Ministry of Employment for Fijians to verify their jobs first before heading to the airport makes a lot of sense.
In fact, it goes without saying. It is common sense.
So before travelling overseas for employment, let’s verify jobs, visas and travel arrangements before heading to the airport.
This comes in the wake of concerns that workers could be relying on unverified promises and electronic messages. And this apparently is causing some concern and heartache.
The ministry now wants prospective overseas workers not to travel based solely on promises, text messages or screenshots claiming to confirm employment or travel arrangements. It has stressed that workers should ensure they have a valid visa and confirmed travel arrangements before leaving Fiji for an overseas job.
The warning comes as overseas employment opportunities continue to attract Fijians seeking work abroad, with workers potentially vulnerable to misinformation or fraudulent employment offers.
Now we have to be careful. We have to be vigilant and be mindful of what is expected when overseas work is floated around.
The message from the ministry is for people to make sure everything is confirmed before making the journey.
Workers should verify their employment and travel details rather than relying on information provided through messages or screenshots. In other words, don’t take promises, messages or screenshots at face value. Check the details and make sure they are genuine before you travel.
Workers who are uncertain about the legitimacy of their overseas employment arrangements have been urged to contact the Ministry of Employment before travelling.
The ministry has offered its national helpline for those seeking clarification or assistance.
Prospective migrant workers should make the necessary checks before reaching the airport to avoid being stranded or facing problems with their overseas employment arrangements.
It is either we have far too many people who are chasing such high-flying opportunities abroad, or we have too many gullible people who are being misled too easily. The challenge now is for us to verify information. That means ensuring we have every important piece of information we need before taking up a job overseas. It means visas have been approved for travel.
It means employment has been properly confirmed. It means travel arrangements are genuine and that the people making the promises can actually deliver what they say. There is nothing wrong with wanting a better opportunity overseas. For many Fijians, overseas employment can mean better prospects, valuable experience and much-needed income for families back home.
But opportunity should never come at the expense of caution. A screenshot is not a visa. A message is not a job contract. And a promise is not a guarantee. Before we get to the airport, we need to get our facts straight.
