Since the inception of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme in 2019, 1.5 per cent — or 65 out of 4351 — of Fijian workers engaged under the scheme have been involved in extramarital affairs.
This was revealed by Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh in response to a parliamentary question by Opposition MP Alipate Tuicolo.
Mr Singh said no government could resolve this problem alone, and addressing the issue required a multi-disciplinary approach and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
“While the percentage is insignificant, even one family abandoned by the breadwinner or the head of the family should be a matter of deep concern to all of us,” the minister said.
Mr Singh said the number of reported cases received on welfare issues under the scheme began in 2021, which was a major social impact faced by families of seasonal workers back in Fiji.
“A vast majority of them, when they get involved in such affairs, they abscond. They run away from the employees, so we lose contact with them.
“Through the intervention of the employees, by our diaspora, embassy, high commission, we have been able to resolve these cases.”
Mr Singh said the Coalition Government was committed to looking after the workers’ welfare, and towards this end they visited Australia and New Zealand within three months of coming into office.
He said they had established a senior officials work group between the Fijian and Australian governments to collectively discuss and explore solutions.
The ministry would also be expanding the pre-departure training program from four days to two weeks for a better understanding about work overseas, including managing culture shock.
Mr Singh added pastoral care and welfare support are key to addressing vulnerability and this is being done through the appointment of the first ever country liaison officer.
